Who is Deepak Mittal, India's Newly Appointed Ambassador to UAE?
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Synopsis
Deepak Mittal's appointment as India's new Ambassador to the UAE signals a pivotal moment in strengthening bilateral relations. With a wealth of diplomatic experience, Mittal is set to enhance economic ties and navigate the complexities of international diplomacy, especially in the wake of recent geopolitical changes.
Key Takeaways
- Deepak Mittal appointed as India's new Ambassador to the UAE.
- Previously served as Ambassador to Qatar, engaging with the Taliban.
- CEPA aims for $100 billion in non-oil trade between India and UAE.
- Focus on sectors like renewable energy and healthcare.
- Strengthening of bilateral relations post-PM Modi's visit in 2015.
New Delhi, Sep 2 (NationPress) Deepak Mittal has been designated as the forthcoming Ambassador of India to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), as announced by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Tuesday.
An experienced diplomat from the 1998 batch of the Indian Foreign Service (IFS), Mittal is currently serving as an Additional Secretary in the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) and is expected to assume his new role shortly.
Previously, Mittal held the position of India’s Ambassador to Qatar, where he was instrumental in initiating the first discussions with the Taliban regime following the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021.
As the Indian envoy in Doha, he engaged with Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanekzai, the head of the Taliban’s Political Office, on August 31, 2021. This meeting, requested by the Taliban, concentrated on the safety and repatriation of Indian nationals stranded in Afghanistan.
Before his tenure in Qatar, Mittal was the Joint Secretary for the Pakistan Afghanistan Iran (PAI) Desk at the MEA.
He will take over from Sunjay Sudhir (IFS 1993) as the next Ambassador to the UAE.
The historically robust bilateral relations between India and the UAE have gained renewed momentum since Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the UAE in 2015, marking the first visit by an Indian PM in 34 years.
Recently, both nations agreed to bolster their Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), aiming for a target of $100 billion in non-oil bilateral trade amidst changing global trade dynamics spurred by the rise in U.S. tariffs announced by former President Donald Trump.
This issue was deliberated in a recent meeting between Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal and Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, the UAE's Minister of Foreign Trade, focused on further enhancing their partnership.
The ministers reviewed CEPA's progress and reaffirmed their shared vision of expanding bilateral trade towards the $100 billion target for non-oil, non-precious metals trade by 2030. They also discussed collaboration in emerging sectors such as renewable energy, digital infrastructure, supply chain resilience, and healthcare.
Both officials stressed the necessity of a close partnership amid the current global landscape, with Goyal highlighting the resilience of the Indian economy that has propelled it forward during challenging circumstances. The ministers acknowledged the significance of collaborating with diverse partners for mutual benefit.
Point of View
I believe Deepak Mittal's appointment marks a strategic shift in India's diplomatic approach towards the UAE. Given his experience and past engagements, he is well-equipped to navigate the evolving geopolitical landscape, fostering stronger economic ties and enhancing India’s presence in the Middle East.
NationPress
02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Deepak Mittal?
Deepak Mittal is a seasoned diplomat from the 1998 batch of the Indian Foreign Service, recently appointed as India's Ambassador to the UAE.
What previous roles has Deepak Mittal held?
He has served as India's Ambassador to Qatar and held the position of Joint Secretary for the Pakistan Afghanistan Iran Desk at the MEA.
What is CEPA?
CEPA, or Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, aims to enhance trade relations between India and the UAE, targeting $100 billion in non-oil trade.
How will Mittal's appointment impact India-UAE relations?
Mittal's extensive diplomatic experience is expected to strengthen economic ties and facilitate cooperation in various sectors between India and the UAE.
What are the future prospects of India-UAE trade?
Both nations are set to explore collaboration in emerging sectors such as renewable energy, digital infrastructure, and healthcare, aiming for substantial growth in trade.
