Is India Committed to Strengthening Its Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with the UAE?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- India and UAE celebrate their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
- EAM Jaishankar emphasizes the importance of cultural ties.
- Meetings focus on enhancing consular cooperation.
- Both nations are committed to the welfare of their citizens.
- Strong engagement in defense cooperation is underway.
New Delhi, Dec 2 (NationPress) - External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar conveyed warm wishes to the citizens of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on their National Day, reaffirming New Delhi's dedication to fortifying the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership while enhancing commercial, cultural, and interpersonal connections.
In a post shared on X, EAM Jaishankar remarked, "Heartfelt greetings to DPM & FM Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the government and people of the UAE on their National Day. Our commitment to strengthening our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership remains unwavering, alongside deepening commercial, cultural, and interpersonal ties."
On Monday, Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal attended the UAE National Day festivities in New Delhi and praised the robust partnership between the two countries.
"Thrilled to participate in the 54th UAE National Day celebrations! Thankful for the warmth & hospitality shown by H.E. Dr. Abdulnasser Jamal Alshaali, UAE Ambassador to India. Proud of the strong India-UAE partnership, fueled by trust, innovation & a shared vision for the future," Goyal expressed on X.
On November 26, India and UAE convened the 6th Meeting of the Joint Committee on Consular Affairs (JCCA) in Abu Dhabi, agreeing on future measures to bolster cooperation across consular, visa, and legal sectors.
The two delegations evaluated advancements since the last JCCA meeting in New Delhi in 2024, exchanging experiences and best practices in the consular field.
India acknowledged the support of UAE leadership and authorities for the welfare of the Indian community residing in the UAE, which acts as a crucial link in enhancing bilateral relations, as stated by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
"The discussions led to progress in four primary areas: Improved information flow and consular access; Accelerated cooperation on Mutual Legal Assistance and Extradition cases; Progressive liberalization of visa policies; and an established review mechanism," stated the MEA.
India and UAE also reiterated their commitment to ensuring the safety, dignity, and well-being of their citizens residing in each other's nations.
"The meeting unfolded in an atmosphere of traditional warmth and cooperation that typifies the historic and Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and the UAE. Both sides emphasized the strength of the relationship, steered by the vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and His Highness President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, deeply rooted in the strong ties between the peoples of both nations," the statement added.
For this meeting, the Indian delegation was led by Arun Kumar Chatterjee, Secretary (Consular, Passport, Visa, and Overseas Indian Affairs), MEA, and the UAE delegation was led by Omar Obaid AlHesan AlShamsi, Under Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
On November 17, Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth met his UAE counterpart Mohammed Mubarak Al Mazrouei during the Dubai Air Show 2025, highlighting the need for stronger engagement through institutional mechanisms, defense exhibitions, and training cooperation.
"Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Sanjay Seth conducted a bilateral meeting with his UAE counterpart Mohammed Mubarak Al Mazrouei on the sidelines of the Dubai Air Show 2025. He emphasized the importance of deeper engagement through institutional mechanisms, defense exhibitions, training cooperation, and encouraged exploring joint research, co-development, and co-production for enhanced defense ties," the Defence Ministry posted on X.