ABU DHABI, December 16, 2025: Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, held a meeting on Monday with Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Minister of External Affairs of the Republic of India, at Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi. The discussions focused on strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation between the United Arab Emirates and India in key strategic sectors. The meeting reflected the close and longstanding partnership between the two nations, which continue to maintain strong political, economic, and cultural ties. Both sides reviewed ongoing collaboration and discussed practical measures to deepen coordination in areas including trade, investment, energy, technology, and innovation. The talks also addressed shared interests in regional stability and sustainable economic growth.
Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed welcomed Dr. Jaishankar and conveyed the UAE’s keenness to further advance cooperation that supports mutual development objectives. The discussions reaffirmed both countries’ commitment to implementing existing agreements and enhancing frameworks for joint initiatives that contribute to economic diversification and technological progress. India is among the UAE’s largest trading partners, and the UAE serves as one of India’s key gateways for trade with the Middle East and Africa. The implementation of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), signed in 2022, has significantly increased the volume of non-oil trade between the two countries. Bilateral trade surpassed USD 85 billion in the 2023–2024 fiscal year, reflecting robust economic engagement and continued confidence among investors in both markets.
Energy cooperation remained a central element of the discussions, given the UAE’s role as a major supplier of crude oil and liquefied natural gas to India. The two sides reviewed ongoing partnerships in the energy sector, including renewable energy and clean technology. They discussed the importance of maintaining stable and reliable energy supply chains to support economic resilience and sustainable growth. In addition to economic and energy collaboration, the meeting addressed cooperation in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, and space exploration. Both nations have made significant strides in technology-driven sectors, and their collaboration aims to foster innovation and capacity-building initiatives that contribute to knowledge-based economies.
High-level visits sustain diplomatic momentum
The talks also touched on education, healthcare, and cultural exchange programs that continue to strengthen people-to-people connections between the UAE and India. With an Indian community of over 3.5 million residents, the UAE hosts one of the largest Indian expatriate populations globally, underscoring the depth of social and cultural links between the two countries. Regional and international developments were also reviewed during the meeting. Both sides exchanged views on current global issues, emphasizing the importance of dialogue, multilateral cooperation, and peaceful solutions to regional challenges. The UAE and India continue to coordinate within international forums, including the United Nations, the G20, and the BRICS group, to support global stability and sustainable development.
Dr. Jaishankar’s visit to Abu Dhabi follows a series of high-level exchanges between the two countries in recent years, reflecting the sustained momentum in bilateral engagement. In July 2023, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi to discuss strengthening economic and strategic relations. The latest meeting continues that dialogue, highlighting both governments’ commitment to maintaining strong diplomatic ties. The UAE and India have also expanded collaboration in areas of food security, logistics, and climate action. Both nations are partners in the International Solar Alliance and the UAE-India Food Corridor, which aim to enhance sustainable agricultural production and reduce carbon emissions through joint investment and innovation. These partnerships align with their shared objectives of achieving economic sustainability and environmental stewardship.
Strategic engagement reinforces economic stability
The meeting at Qasr Al Watan concluded with both sides reaffirming their commitment to continued cooperation across all sectors of mutual interest. The discussions underscored the strategic depth of the UAE-India partnership, which is built on mutual respect, shared economic goals, and decades of close diplomatic engagement. The visit by India’s Minister of External Affairs represents another milestone in the strong relationship between the two countries, reinforcing their status as key partners in regional development and international cooperation. The UAE and India remain focused on consolidating their economic and diplomatic ties, ensuring that their partnership continues to support growth, stability, and prosperity for both nations and their peoples. – By Content Syndication Services.