PM Modi’s UAE visit reaffirms close strategic ties

Islam News- Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a brief stopover at Abu Dhabi on his return from Munich on Tuesday and held a review of the strategic partnership, including FTA, that came into force from May 1 when he met the President of the UAE and ruler of Abu Dhabi, Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. This was the first in-person meeting between the two leaders since August 2019 when the prime minister visited Abu Dhabi last.

Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who shares a good chemistry with Modi, in a special gesture, received the PM at the airport. The PM was accompanied by the NSA and foreign secretary among others.

The visit assumes significance in the backdrop of the recent controversy generated by the offensive comments against the Prophet. While the UAE had expressed concern over the comments, it did not summon the Indian envoy and welcomed the action against the BJP spokespersons.

The main purpose of the visit was for the PM to convey his personal condolences on the passing away of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan last month. Modi conveyed his condolences to Al Nahyan as well as the family members, including Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan, National Security Advisor, Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, deputy Prime Minister, Sheikh Hamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, MD, Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Inter ..

Both leaders reviewed various aspects of the India-UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. During their virtual summit on February 18, both countries signed the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which has since been brought into force on May 1. CEPA is expected to further boost trade and investment between both countries. Bilateral trade in FY 2021-22 was about $72 billion. The UAE is India’s third largest trade partner and second largest export destination. UAE FDI in India ..

Both leaders on Tuesday expressed satisfaction that India and the UAE continue to forge closer partnership .

Source: ET