PMO India’s UAE Visit

From 10-11 February 2018, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the United Arab Emirates upon the invitation of H.H. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates.

Followed by PMO India’s earlier visit in August 2015, this visit helped strengthen India- UAE relations even further. It also resulted in a joint statement between the UAE, United Nations, and India.

UAE India Relations and Strategic Partnership 

The official discussions held between the two leaders resulted in further nourishing the strategic partnership between the two nations. The leaders also expressed satisfaction with the execution of matters they had discussed during their past meetings. In addition, they noted that the dedication and engagement of both countries in their partnerships over trade, investment, energy, education, and more had proved fruitful. 

Thus, to strengthen India-UAE relations even further, the two countries renewed their pledge to increase the cooperation between the respective ministries.

The Joint Statement between UAE and the United Nations

With a stronger strategic partnership between UAE and India, the United Nations can expect development and support on multiple fronts globally. These include the following:

• Combating Terrorism

Both the countries agreed on the importance of showing effort in disrupting and breaking terrorist networks. The two sides have decided to act according to the principles and objectives of the UN in addressing the menace of international terrorism. They have agreed to improve cooperation at bilateral and multilateral levels to dismantle the financing and movement of terrorist groups. Furthermore, the leaders have resolved to continue their work towards adopting the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism, which India proposed to the United Nations.

An essential highlight of Modi in UAE was to gain complete support from the UAE in the joint statement released by both countries. As per the statement, UAE has stated a clear definition of terror and accepted India’s draft proposal pending at the United Nations. The proposal is about Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT). 

• Taking Action against Climate Change

Both India and UAE agreed to enhance cooperation on green energy and climate change. The leaders referred to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change for the same. They also acknowledged the efforts made by both countries in achieving renewable energy targets, which could be vital in climate change support. 

Furthermore, the two nations signed the Framework ISA Agreement drafted by the UAE. Thus, the UAE shall now support the International Solar Alliance (ISA)- an initiative by India. In addition to this, UAE expressed commitment to the promotion of clean and renewable energy. The nation shall execute the same by mobilising affordable solar energy applications and investments. The countries also agreed to extend continued support to the International Renewable Energy Agency.

• Security and Defence Cooperation

India and UAE interactions have also resulted in strong defence and security relations. So far, the UAE has already shown support in the overflight of the Rafale aircraft in India from France. Furthermore, India’s Army Chief and Chief of Air Staff visited the UAE twice between 2020 and 2022. Finally, both India and UAE coordinate positions in the United Nations Security Council as non-permanent members.

• International Cooperation

The leaders of both India and UAE have a common interest in working towards South-South cooperation in Sub-Saharan Africa. The nations have again stated their intention in providing support by offering grants and loans, building capacity, and collaborating in trade and technology. The two countries will also work on joint projects that will target the implementation of sustainable development goals. 

The UAE also appreciated India’s vital contribution to peace and development in Africa. This included the country’s participation in UN’s peacekeeping missions. Modi in UAE, in turn, recognised the contribution by the UAE to the G5 Sahel Force. This act shall prove vital in countering terrorism in the countries of Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania, and Niger.

Conclusion

PMO India’s visit to the UAE resulted in a joint statement between UAE and the United Nations, which is expected to benefit the two countries on a global scale. At the same time, India and UAE relations are improving, and the leaders are looking forward to a hopeful future with mutual support and cooperation.