New delhi: India and the UAE on Monday agreed to deepen bilateral ties in a number of areas after extensive talks between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and visiting UAE President Mohamad bin Zayed Al-Nahyan. A statement from the Indian Ministry of External Affairs indicated that both leaders reviewed the full scope of bilateral cooperation, emphasizing the continued strengthening of the India-UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership over the past decade.
According to Kuwait News Agency, the two leaders welcomed the robust growth in trade and economic cooperation since the signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement in 2022. They noted the rapid growth of bilateral trade, which reached USD 100 billion in FY 2024-25, and both decided to double bilateral trade to target USD 200 billion by 2032. Both sides also reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing cooperation in food security, recognizing its strategic importance in ensuring sustainable supply chains and long-term resilience.
In addition, the leaders agreed to deepen cooperation in the space sector and welcomed the understanding to collaborate on a joint initiative aimed at advancing space sciences and technologies. They also decided to strengthen collaboration in science, technology, and innovation, particularly in artificial intelligence and emerging technologies. The energy partnership between the two nations was highlighted, with both leaders appreciating the deepening financial sector cooperation and the UAE's contribution to India's energy security.
The leaders underscored respect for each other's sovereignty and territorial integrity, emphasizing strategic autonomy. They acknowledged steady and strong bilateral defense and security cooperation as a core pillar of their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. They also recalled the launch of the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor and reaffirmed their commitment to this initiative, which is expected to significantly enhance commerce and energy flow between India, the Middle East, and Europe.
Finally, both leaders exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest, highlighting their collaboration in polar science and noting the positive outcomes of joint expeditions and institutional cooperation.