Prime Minister Modi To Strengthen Energy, Food Security, And Defense Ties During UAE Visit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to embark on a significant visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on [Date]. The visit aims to bolster the partnership between the two nations, with a particular focus on key areas such as energy, food security, and defense cooperation.

The visit comes in the wake of a landmark trade agreement between India and the UAE, and both countries seek to assess the progress made thus far. The strategic partnership between India and the UAE has witnessed a broadening engagement that encompasses multilateral dimensions and highlights the strong rapport between leaders, even during the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) signed between India and the UAE has played a pivotal role in boosting economic ties. Over the past year, bilateral trade has seen a substantial increase of 19%, reaching a total of approximately USD 85 billion. With an initial target of USD 100 billion in five years, the visit aims to further strengthen economic cooperation and explore new avenues of collaboration.

During his visit, Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to hold talks with Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi. The discussions will cover a wide range of sectors, including trade, investments, energy, food security, science and technology, education, fintech, defense, security, and people-to-people ties.

The visit also holds significance in the context of the UAE-France-India trilateral cooperation initiative, which was announced last year and formalized in February. This initiative aims to promote cooperation in various fields, including energy and combating climate change, and is aligned with the Indian Presidency of the G20 and the UAE's hosting of COP28 in 2023.

The India-UAE partnership has been marked by regular contact between leaders, even amidst the pandemic, reflecting the strength and depth of the relationship. The visit is expected to pave the way for a new chapter in the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and the UAE.

As the visit to the UAE marks the completion of the triad after a substantive engagement with the leadership of France on July 14, the significance of the multilateral element is further highlighted. The trilateral platform between India, the UAE, and France aims to foster cooperation projects, particularly in the fields of energy and combating climate change.

Prime Minister Modi's visit to the UAE holds immense potential for further collaboration and advancement in trade, investment, and technology between the two nations. It is also an opportunity to strengthen people-to-people ties and explore avenues of cooperation in areas such as healthcare, education, culture, and fintech.

With a large Indian community residing in the UAE, the visit is anticipated to further cement the bilateral ties and create new opportunities for growth and prosperity. The India-UAE relationship, characterized by strong cultural values, hard work, and entrepreneurial spirit, is expected to witness an upsurge in collaborations and advancements in various sectors.