Indian, Emirati foreign ministers discuss bilateral cooperation, Mideast situation

By Ahmad Adil

NEW DELHI (AA) – Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar on Tuesday held talks with his Emirati counterpart Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in the financial capital of Mumbai with officials describing the meeting as “productive.”

“A productive meeting…undertaking a comprehensive review of our wide - ranging ties,” Jaishankar wrote on US social media platform X.

He said the “breadth and ambition of our cooperation is visible across the domains of trade, investments, energy, technology, logistics, defense, education and people to people ties.”

“The India - UAE relationship is living up to its promise as a comprehensive strategic partnership,” said Jaishankar.

The Indian diplomat told his UAE counterpart that “despite global headwinds and regional challenges, our economic partnership continues to set new benchmarks.”

“Cooperation in defense, energy, and technology are acquiring a strategic character.

"Our people-to-people ties continue to enrich the lives of our communities. Our cultural partnership is also gaining strong momentum,” he said.

Bilateral trade has crossed the $100-billion mark since the signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between the UAE and India.

Jaishankar said the situation in the Middle East “remains a matter of deep concern.”

“We will continue to work together and support all efforts to promote dialogue and diplomacy. We continue to support free, safe and unimpeded flow of trade, energy, and fertilizer,” he said.

Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan arrived in Mumbai on Monday evening and will leave on Tuesday evening, according to the Indian Foreign Ministry.

The two diplomats separately held a trilateral meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio who is also in Mumbai on an official visit.