Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, is set to begin a two-day maiden visit to India on Sunday, marking a significant diplomatic engagement amid escalating tensions in West Asia.
The visit is poised to further cement the robust relationship between India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), offering new opportunities for cooperation in various emerging sectors.
The Crown Prince’s visit, as announced by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), is anticipated to reinforce the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two nations, established following Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's landmark visit to the UAE in August 2015.
The partnership has since evolved to include comprehensive cooperation in political, trade, investment, connectivity, energy, technology, education, and cultural domains.
During his visit, Sheikh Khaled will engage in discussions with Prime Minister Modi on Sunday, covering a broad spectrum of bilateral issues.
The talks will also address the wider implications of the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, reflecting the growing geopolitical concerns affecting the region.
Following the Delhi leg of his visit, the Crown Prince will travel to Mumbai on Monday to participate in a business forum. This forum will bring together top business leaders from both countries to explore further economic collaborations.
The delegation accompanying Sheikh Khaled includes several UAE government ministers and a business contingent.
In addition to his meetings with Prime Minister Modi, the Crown Prince is scheduled to call on President Droupadi Murmu and visit Rajghat to pay his respects to Mahatma Gandhi.
The bilateral relationship between India and the UAE has seen remarkable growth over recent years. The signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) in February 2022 and the Local Currency Settlement (LCS) System in July 2023 have been pivotal in enhancing trade and financial interactions.
The CEPA aims to bolster trade, while the LCS system facilitates transactions in Indian Rupees and UAE Dirhams, reflecting the deepening economic integration.
India and the UAE have also marked their strategic collaboration through various international platforms.
The UAE's role as a special invitee to the G20 during India's Presidency and its recent membership in BRICS with India's backing highlight the strengthened geopolitical alliance.
Additionally, the launch of the India-UAE-France trilateral in February 2023 and the UAE's accession to the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) as a dialogue partner in May 2023 further illustrate the expanding scope of their strategic partnerships.
The defence cooperation between the two nations has gained momentum, with the inaugural India-UAE bilateral army exercise, 'Desert Cyclone,' held in Rajasthan in January 2024.
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