The Aryavarth Express
Agency (New Delhi): Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Abu Dhabi has marked a significant milestone in strengthening the strategic partnership between India and the United Arab Emirates. In a warm and special gesture, Prime Minister Modi was received at the airport by UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. This visit not only reflects the strong bilateral ties but also paves the way for new areas of cooperation between the two nations.
During the visit, Prime Minister Modi and President Sheikh Mohamed engaged in one-on-one and delegation level talks, reviewing their bilateral partnership and exploring new avenues for collaboration. The discussions covered a wide range of sectors, including trade and investment, digital infrastructure, fintech, energy, and culture, along with regional and global issues.
A highlight of the visit was the exchange of several key agreements and memorandums of understanding (MoUs), signifying a deepening of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and the UAE. These agreements encompass various domains, reflecting the multifaceted nature of the Indo-UAE relationship.
One of the significant agreements signed was the Bilateral Investment Treaty, poised to be a major catalyst in promoting mutual investments. This agreement aligns with India’s previous signings of a Bilateral Investment Treaty and a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement with the UAE. Another breakthrough was the MoU on cooperation in the field of electrical interconnection and trade, opening up new possibilities in energy collaboration, including energy security and trade.
The visit also saw the signing of an Intergovernmental Framework Agreement on the India-Middle East Economic Corridor. This agreement builds upon previous understandings and cooperation, further enhancing India and the UAE’s partnership in regional connectivity. In the digital domain, an MoU on cooperation in Digital Infrastructure Projects was signed, creating a framework for wide-ranging cooperation and investment in the digital infrastructure sector.
Cultural and historical ties were also strengthened with the signing of a Cooperation Protocol between the National Archives of the two countries. This protocol will facilitate extensive bilateral cooperation in the field of restoration and preservation of archival material. Additionally, an MoU for cooperation in the field of heritage and museums was signed, aimed at supporting the Maritime Heritage Complex at Lothal, Gujarat.
In a move to enhance financial sector cooperation, agreements were signed for interlinking instant payment platforms – UPI (India) and AANI (UAE), and for inter-linking domestic debit/credit cards – RuPay (India) with JAYWAN (UAE). These agreements will facilitate seamless cross-border transactions and enhance the universal acceptance of RuPay across the UAE.
During the visit, Prime Minister Modi congratulated President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on the launch of UAE’s domestic card JAYWAN, based on the digital RuPay credit and debit card stack. The leaders witnessed a transaction made using the JAYWAN card, symbolizing the strengthening financial ties between the two countries.
The leaders also discussed the strengthening of the energy partnership, appreciating the UAE’s role as one of the largest sources of crude oil and LPG for India. Additionally, India is entering into long-term contracts for LNG, further solidifying this energy partnership.
Ahead of this landmark visit, RITES Limited had signed agreements with Abu Dhabi Ports Company and Gujarat Maritime Board, aimed at building port infrastructure and enhancing connectivity between the two countries.
In a gesture highlighting the deep cultural and spiritual connections, Prime Minister Modi thanked President Sheikh Mohamed for his support in granting the land for the construction of the BAPS Temple in Abu Dhabi. Both leaders noted that the temple is not just a symbol of the UAE-India friendship but also embodies the UAE’s global commitment to harmony, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence.
Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Abu Dhabi has been instrumental in bolstering the India-UAE relations across various sectors. The agreements and MoUs signed during this visit are set to enhance bilateral cooperation, paving the way for a shared vision of a prosperous and interconnected future for both nations.