External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar arrived in Abu Dhabi on Sunday for bilateral discussions with his UAE counterpart Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Prior to their meeting, Jaishankar visited the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi, highlighting the cultural bonds between India and the UAE.
The visit to the temple, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier this year, symbolizes the strong friendship between the two nations. Jaishankar expressed his appreciation for the temple’s role as a cultural bridge and met with BAPS monks during his visit.
The Ministry of External Affairs emphasized that Jaishankar’s trip aims to review the comprehensive strategic partnership between India and the UAE, covering regional and global developments. The UAE hosts a significant Indian community of around 3.5 million, contributing to the robust bilateral relations.
Since Prime Minister Modi’s landmark visit to the UAE in 2015, relations have strengthened, culminating in a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The recent signing of a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) in February 2022 underscores efforts to enhance economic cooperation, including tariff reductions and market access improvements.
Jaishankar’s discussions in Abu Dhabi also touch upon the UAE’s substantial investments in India, solidifying their economic ties amidst regional and global challenges.
