Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed held official talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday during his visit to New Delhi, reinforcing the deep-rooted ties between the UAE and India. The meeting took place at Hyderabad House and aimed to enhance bilateral cooperation across a range of sectors.
Strengthening Long-standing Ties
During the reception, both leaders expressed their commitment to further bolster the strategic relationship between the UAE and India. Sheikh Khaled conveyed warm greetings from President Sheikh Mohamed, while Prime Minister Modi reciprocated with kind sentiments, highlighting the enduring partnership between the two nations.
Paying Homage to Mahatma Gandhi
In a significant gesture, Sheikh Khaled visited the Raj Ghat memorial, where he observed a minute’s silence and laid a wreath in honor of Mahatma Gandhi, the father of India’s independence. Sheikh Khaled also tended to trees planted by the UAE Founding Father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and President Sheikh Mohamed during their previous visits in 1975 and 2016, respectively. He then planted his own tree, symbolizing the “tree of friendship” between the two nations.
Sheikh Khaled’s visit to Raj Ghat underscored the shared values of love and peace. In a heartfelt note in the memorial guestbook, he paid tribute to both Gandhi and Sheikh Zayed for promoting these principles globally.
Meeting Indian President Droupadi Murmu
Sheikh Khaled also met Indian President Droupadi Murmu at a special reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The meeting reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to expanding economic partnerships with India, particularly in the areas of technology, trade, and energy. Sheikh Khaled’s message in the guestbook emphasized the historical bonds shared between the two nations, further solidified by ongoing collaboration.
Recent UAE-India Collaborations
The visit follows Indian Prime Minister Modi’s trip to the UAE in February, where he inaugurated the Baps Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi and signed an agreement to boost investment cooperation in digital infrastructure. In January, President Sheikh Mohamed attended the Vibrant Gujarat business summit and held talks with Prime Minister Modi, focusing on furthering economic ties.
Strategic Agreements Signed
The meeting between Sheikh Khaled and Prime Minister Modi culminated in the announcement of several key agreements, under the framework of the UAE-India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (Cepa), which has been in effect since February 2022. Notable deals include:
- Adnoc’s 15-year liquefied natural gas agreement with IndianOil, aimed at bolstering India’s energy security.
- A strategic framework agreement between Adnoc and Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserve Limited, extending their existing oil storage partnership.
- ADQ’s collaboration with the government of Gujarat to develop a major food and agriculture park in India, utilizing advanced technology.
- A partnership between the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation and the Nuclear Power Corporation of India to facilitate knowledge sharing and expertise in nuclear energy development.
Sheikh Khaled’s Red-Carpet Reception
Sheikh Khaled’s delegation arrived in New Delhi on Sunday, where he was greeted with a red-carpet reception. India’s Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, welcomed the Crown Prince upon arrival. A ceremonial guard of honor and a traditional cultural performance accompanied the formal welcome.
The Delegation and Conclusion of the Visit- Narendra Modi
Sheikh Khaled was accompanied by several key figures, including Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Reem Al Hashimy, and Mohammed Alsuwaidi, underscoring the significance of the visit. The tour, concluding on Tuesday, highlights the depth of the UAE-India bond, showcasing a shared vision for continued collaboration in diplomacy, trade, and cultural exchange.
This visit, marked by important agreements and symbolic gestures, strengthens the already robust relationship between the UAE and India, with both nations looking ahead to a future of increased cooperation and mutual growth.
