Brother, Abu Dhabi’s President welcomed Modi.

On Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held discussions with Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the United Arab Emirates, in Abu Dhabi. Following their conversation, both countries signed eight agreements, including a bilateral investment treaty, an intergovernmental framework on India-Middle East economic cooperation, and the integration of Instant Money Transfer Systems – UPI (India) and AANI (UAE) along with connecting domestic debit/credit cards – RuPay (India) with JAYWAN (UAE). Additionally, enhancing energy cooperation and strengthening security collaboration were also part of the agreements.

Both leaders engaged in one-on-one and delegation-level talks, reviewed the bilateral partnership, and discussed collaboration in new areas of cooperation.

They welcomed India’s entry into long-term contracts with LNG, deepening strategic partnerships across various sectors including trade and investment, digital infrastructure, fintech, energy, basic infrastructure, culture, and people-to-people relations. The discussions encompassed both regional and global issues, including the Israel-Hamas conflict and the humanitarian situation in Gaza. Demonstrating the close relations between the two nations and the strong rapport between the leaders, the President of the United Arab Emirates extended a warm and special welcome to Prime Minister Modi upon his arrival at the airport.

Before the conversation, in his initial remarks, Prime Minister Modi thanked the President of the United Arab Emirates, addressing him as “brother,” praising Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed for his personal support and generosity in allocating land for the construction of the BAPS temple in Abu Dhabi. The inauguration is scheduled for Wednesday, and the decision to approve the temple construction was made at a pace after Prime Minister Modi’s earlier request.New Delhi stated in a statement that both sides affirmed that the BAPS Mandir symbolizes the deep cultural ties, goodwill, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence between the United Arab Emirates and India. Prime Minister Modi mentioned expressing gratitude to his hosts whenever he visits the UAE, acknowledging the global commitment of the UAE to friendship and cooperation, including significant decisions related to investments and the ISA. He also highlighted the unique nature of the relationship between the two countries, expressing thanks to the UAE President for participating in the Vibrant Gujarat Summit last month.

The Ministry of External Affairs stated regarding the bilateral investment treaty, “This agreement will be a crucial catalyst for enhancing investment in both countries. India has signed a bilateral investment treaty and a comprehensive economic partnership agreement with the United Arab Emirates (in 2022).” “Understanding on cooperation in the areas of power interconnection and trade: “The agreement opens up new areas of collaboration in the energy sector, including energy security and energy business.”New Delhi stated, “The recently declared bilateral framework on the India-Middle East economic corridor between India and the United Arab Emirates will be based on mutual understanding and cooperation from past engagements, enhancing collaborative efforts to advance regional connectivity.”The agreement between UPI (India) and AANAI (UAE) on interlinking “will facilitate seamless cross-border transactions between the two countries,” and it “adheres to the understanding signed last July on interlinking payment and messaging systems,” New Delhi stated. It has been mentioned that connecting domestic debit/credit card RuPay (India) with JAYWAN (UAE) in this agreement is “a significant step in fostering cooperation in the financial sector and will enhance the universal acceptance of RuPay in the entire United Arab Emirates.”

In the morning address before departing from New Delhi, Prime Minister Modi stated, “Over the past nine years, our collaboration with the United Arab Emirates has grown manifold in various sectors such as trade and investment, defense and security, food and energy security, and education.” Our cultural and people-to-people connect is now stronger than ever. He mentioned, “Upon the invitation of the Vice President, Prime Minister, and Defense Minister of the United Arab Emirates, and the ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, I will address the assembly of world leaders at the World Government Summit in Dubai.”On February 14, 2024, discussions during the summit, apart from other matters, will focus on strengthening our bilateral relations with Prime Minister His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid in Dubai. During the visit, I will also inaugurate the first Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi, the BAPS Temple, symbolizing values of peace, harmony, and tolerance shared by both India and the United Arab Emirates.

In the second phase of the journey, Prime Minister Modi said, “In Qatar, I am hopeful of meeting His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, under whose leadership Qatar is witnessing tremendous development and transformation. I am also eager to meet other dignitaries in Qatar. There are historically close and friendly relations between India and Qatar.””In recent years, the high-level political engagement, growing trade and investment between the two countries, strengthening energy partnerships, and collaboration in culture and education have deepened our bilateral relations across all sectors. The presence of over 800,000 strong Indian community in Doha is a testament to the robust bonds among our people. On Monday, the Amir of Qatar granted approval for the release of eight Indian citizens and former sailors, who had previously been sentenced in separate jails. The alleged espionage charges being dropped is a matter of great joy for India.”