External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr. S. Jaishankar is on an official visit to the UAE from 27-29th January, 2025. The visit aims to strengthen India-UAE ties and advance the existing strategic partnership between the countries.
At the onset of the journey, Dr.Jaishankar attended the 76th Republic Day celebrations hosted by the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi. During his address that followed, he underscored the strengthening India-UAE partnership, describing it as a testament to shared values and mutual trust between the nations. Taking to X, Dr. Jaishankar shared “Thank DPM & FM @ABZayed Ministers Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak, Dr. Sultan Al Jaber and @ThaniAlZeyoudi for joining today’s celebration of India’s Republic Day. Spoke about the transformation underway in India and our journey towards ViksitBharat. Also highlighted how India-UAE relations have developed so much in the same decade. Appreciate the contribution of the Indian community in UAE towards forging our close relationship and shaping image of India”. During the address, Dr.Jaishankar underlined the remarkable milestones achieved under the joint vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, citing the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), local currency trading mechanisms and the construction of BAPS Hindu Mandir as symbol of the profound relationship. He also highlighted the people-to-people centric foundation of India-UAE ties and mentioned that there is much that draws the two nations together
Dr. Jaishankar also held discussions with the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of UAE and taking to X he shared “Held a warm and wide-ranging discussion with DPM&FM @AB Zayed. Discussed the positive trajectory of our comprehensive strategic partnership and its further expansion. Also shared perspectives on the regional and global situation”.
Thereafter, the EAM chaired the inaugural session of the Raisina Middle East in Abu Dhabi. Taking to X he shared “Addressed the inaugural session of RaisinaMiddleEast in Abu Dhabi. Highlighted the significant expansion of India-Middle East engagement in the past decade, driven by strong trade, connectivity and people-to-people linkages. And how this partnership holds special importance in a changing world. An India with wider interests and growing capabilities sees the Middle East as not only a close partner but a crucial passage to the world beyond”. He also stated that the history of India and the Middle East are inextricably linked and whether its commerce or connectivity, ideas and beliefs, or customs and traditions, there has been an interplay over the centuries. Since two regions are connected by the flow of peoples, it is also natural that there shall be a common interest in the emergence of global workplace.
Other engagements
Dr. Jaishankar also met the Diplomatic Advisor to the President Mr. Anwar Gargash and discussed special partnership and its further progress. He interacted with Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi HH Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and called on the President of UAE, HH Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, with whom discussion focussed on the continued progress in the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the countries.