Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, held bilateral talks today, resulting in the signing of five significant agreements aimed at strengthening ties between India and the UAE. The discussions focused on key areas such as nuclear energy, oil, and food parks development.
One of the major agreements signed was between Emirates Nuclear Energy Company (ENEC) and India’s Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) concerning the operations and maintenance of the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant. This marks a crucial step in deepening collaboration in the nuclear energy sector.
Additionally, a long-term LNG supply agreement was finalized between Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) and Indian Oil Corporation Limited, further solidifying energy cooperation between the two nations. Another Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between ADNOC and India Strategic Petroleum Reserve Limited (ISPRL).
Urja Bharat and ADNOC also signed a product concession agreement for Abu Dhabi’s Onshore Block 1, enhancing India’s role in the UAE’s oil sector. Lastly, an MoU between the Government of Gujarat and Abu Dhabi Developmental Holding Company PJSC (ADQ) was signed for the development of food parks in India, showcasing collaborative efforts in agriculture and food security.
Tribute to Mahatma Gandhi
Following the meeting, the Crown Prince paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat, reflecting the shared values of peace and unity. The Ministry of External Affairs highlighted the gesture on social media, stating, “His teachings continue to inspire us as we strengthen our friendship with the UAE.”
PM Modi warmly welcomed Sheikh Khaled at Hyderabad House, marking the first official engagement with the next generation of UAE royalty, underscoring the importance of India-UAE relations.
Strengthening Bilateral Relations
This visit is a continuation of the strengthened ties between India and the UAE, which have grown significantly since PM Modi’s landmark visit to the UAE in August 2015, the first by an Indian Prime Minister in 34 years. The relationship has since evolved into a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, reflecting deep cooperation in various fields.
India is currently the UAE’s second-largest trading partner, while the UAE stands as India’s largest trading partner in the Arab world. The bilateral trade between the two nations reached approximately USD 85 billion in 2022-23, with projections to hit USD 100 billion by the end of the decade.
The UAE is also among the top four investors in India in terms of Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) in 2022-23, further solidifying its economic presence in the country.
The Crown Prince will continue his visit with a scheduled meeting with President Droupadi Murmu and will attend a Business Forum in Mumbai tomorrow, where top business leaders from both nations are expected to participate.
