PM Modi Holds Talks With UAE President Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed

After a memorable France visit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday held talks with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to further deepen the multifaceted bilateral ties.

PM Modi was accorded a ceremonial welcome here at the Qasr-Al-Watan - the presidential palace - where he was greeted by the UAE President with a warm embrace. Children were seen waving the Indian tricolour as the Prime Minister inspected the guard of honour.

PM Modi expressed India's deep regard for the UAE during talks with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

"Our bilateral trade has risen by 20 per cent. We have achieved $85 billion of trade and soon we will achieve the target of $100 billion," he said.

The Prime Minister acknowledged the UAE President's respect and warmth, equating it to the affection shared between brothers.

"We (India-UAE) signed historic agreements within three months which would not have been possible without your cooperation and commitment," he said. Additionally, he announced his decision to attend the upcoming COP-28 Summit in the UAE.

""Deepening India- UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. PM Narendra Modi was warmly welcomed by UAE President and Ruler of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan at the iconic Qasr Al Watan Presidential Palace. Extensive discussions between the two leaders covering various aspects of bilateral ties lie ahead," tweeted MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi.

Energy, food security, and defence are expected to be the focus areas of Modi's visit to the UAE during which the two countries will review the progress in bilateral relations after they inked a landmark trade agreement last year.

The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which gave a new thrust to the economic engagement between the two countries, was signed during the Covid-19 pandemic. India and the UAE are engaged across various sectors such as trade, investments, energy, food security, science and technology, education, fintech, defence, security, and robust people-to-people ties.

PM Modi's trip to Abu Dhabi will mark the completion of the triad after a substantive engagement with the leadership of France.