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28 March 2024

Mohamed, Indian PM Modi hold talks

Published
By Wam

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, received India's Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, at the Emirates Palace on Monday, as part of his two-day state visit to the UAE.

The two sides discussed ways to enhance bilateral ties and exchanged views on a variety of regional and international issues and developments of mutual interest.

Following the meeting, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed hosted a lunch banquet in honour of the Indian Prime Minister, during which they talked about means to scale bilateral ties of friendship and co-operation to new heights of joint action, and build a strong partnership based on solid bases of mutual interests of the friendly nations.

Modi's visit is aimed at bolstering the important and friendly ties between the UAE and India and advancing their strategic prospects buoyed by an intensive, inclusive and ambitious programme of action in political, investment and technological spheres.

The meeting was attended by Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, National Security Advisor and Deputy Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Council, Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Foreign Minister,  Dr. Anwar bin Mohammed Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and head of the honorary mission accompanying the visiting Indian Prime Minister, Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Affairs Authority (EAA), and Mohammed Mubarak Al Mazrouie, Undersecretary of the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince's Court.
 
Present from the Indian side were Ajit Doval, National Security Adviser, Dr S. Jaishankar, Foreign Secretary, Anil Wadhwa, Secretary (East), Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), T.P. Seetharaman, Ambassador of India to the UAE, Jawed Ashraf, Joint Secretary to PM, Sanjeev Singla, Private Secretary to PM, and Vikas Swarup, Joint Secretary (External Publicity), MEA.

UAE, India issue joint statement

Following is the India-UAE Joint Statement issued at the end of the two-day state visit made by Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi to the UAE.

Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi visited the UAE from August 16-17, 2015 at the invitation of General Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.

2.    The visit of an Indian Prime Minister to UAE after 34 years marks the beginning of a new and comprehensive strategic partnership between India and UAE in a world of multiple transitions and changing opportunities and challenges.

3.     In recent decades, UAE's economic progress has been one of the global success stories, transforming the nation into a regional leader and a thriving international centre that attracts people and business from across the world. India has emerged as one of the major world powers, contributing to the advancement of global peace and stability. India's rapid growth and modernisation, along with its talented human resources and large markets, make it one of the anchors of the global economy.  The dynamism of the two countries have translated into a rapidly expanding economic partnership, making India UAE's second largest trading partner; and UAE not only India's third largest trading partner, but also India's gateway to the region and beyond.

4.     India and UAE share centuries-old ties of commerce, culture and kinship. Today, the Indian community of over 2.5 million is a major part of UAE's vibrant society and its economic success. It also makes a significant economic contribution to India and constitutes an indelible human bond of friendship between the two nations.

5.    An extensive framework of agreements, including economic, defence, security, law enforcement, culture, consular and people-to-people contacts constitute solid bedrock for elevating bilateral cooperation across the full spectrum of our relationship.

6.    Today, as India accelerates economic reforms and improves its investment and business environment, and UAE becomes an increasingly advanced and diversified economy, the two countries have the potential to build a transformative economic partnership, not only for sustained prosperity of their two countries, but to also advance progress in the region and help realise the vision of an Asian century.

7.    Yet, their common vision of progress and prosperity faces challenges from many shared threats to peace, stability and security in the region.  A shared endeavour to address these challenges, based on common ideals and convergent interests, is vital for the future of the two countries and their region.

8.    UAE is at the heart of the Gulf and West Asia region and its major economic hub. India, with seven million citizens in the Gulf, also has major energy, trade and investment interests in the region. The two nations also share a commitment to openness, peaceful coexistence and social harmony that are based on their cultural traditions, spiritual values and shared heritage. UAE is a shining example of a multi-cultural society. India is a nation of unparalleled diversity, religious pluralism and a composite culture.

9.    The two nations reject extremism and any link between religion and terrorism. They condemn efforts, including by states, to use religion to justify, support and sponsor terrorism against other countries. They also deplore efforts by countries to give religious and sectarian colour to political issues and disputes, including in West and South Asia, and use terrorism to pursue their aims.

10.    Proximity, history, cultural affinity, strong links between people, natural synergies, shared aspirations and common challenges create boundless potential for a natural strategic partnership between India and UAE.  Yet, in the past, relations between the two governments have not kept pace with the exponential growth in relations between their people or the promise of this partnership. However, the need for a close strategic partnership between UAE and India has never been stronger or more urgent, and its prospects more rewarding, than in these uncertain times.

11.    Today, in Abu Dhabi, Crown Prince Mohamed Bin Zayed AI Nahyan and Prime Minister Narendra Modi agreed to seize this historic moment of opportunity and shared responsibility to chart a new course in their partnership for the 21st century.  The leaders agreed on the following:

     Elevate the India-UAE relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership.
   
     Coordinate efforts to counter radicalisation and misuse of religion by groups and countries for inciting hatred, perpetrating and justifying terrorism or pursuing political aims.  The two sides will facilitate regular exchanges of religious scholars and intellectuals and organise conferences and seminars to promote the values of peace, tolerance, inclusiveness and welfare that is inherent in all religions.
   
     Denounce and oppose terrorism in all forms and manifestations, wherever committed and by whomever, calling on all states to reject and abandon the use of terrorism against other countries, dismantle terrorism infrastructures where they exist, and bring perpetrators of terrorism to justice.
   
     Enhance cooperation in counter-terrorism operations, intelligence sharing and capacity building.
   
     Work together for the adoption of India s proposed Comprehensive convention on International Terrorism in the United Nations.
   
     Work together to control, regulate and share information on flow of funds that could have a bearing on radicalisation activities and cooperate in interdicting illegal flows and take action against concerned individuals and organizations.
   
     Strengthen cooperation in law enforcement, anti-money laundering, drug trafficking, other trans-national crimes, extradition arrangements, as well as police training.
   
     Promote cooperation in cyber security, including prevention on use of cyber for terrorism, radicalization and disturbing social harmony.
   
     Establish a dialogue between their National Security Advisors and National Security Councils. The National Security Advisors, together with other high level representatives for security from both nations, will meet every six months. The two sides will also establish points of contact between their security agencies to further improve operational cooperation.  
   
     Cooperate to strengthen maritime security in the Gulf and the Indian Ocean region, which is vital for the security and prosperity of both countries.
   
     Promote collaboration and inter-operability for humanitarian assistance and evacuation in natural disasters and conflict situations.
   
     Strengthen defence relations, including through regular exercises and training of naval, air, land and Special Forces, and in coastal defence. India warmly welcomed UAE's decision to participate in International Fleet Review in India in February 2016.
   
     Cooperate in manufacture of defence equipment in India.
   
     Work together to promote peace, reconciliation, stability, inclusiveness and cooperation in the wider South Asia, Gulf and West Asia region.
   
     Support efforts for peaceful resolution of conflicts and promote adherence to the principles of sovereignty and non-interference in the conduct of relations between nations and settlement of disputes.
   
     Call on all nations to fully respect and sincerely implement their commitments to resolve disputes bilaterally and peacefully, without resorting to violence and terrorism.

     Establish a Strategic Security Dialogue between the two governments.
   
     Recognising that India is emerging as the new frontier of investment opportunities, especially with the new initiatives by the government to facilitate trade and investment, encourage the investment institutions of UAE to raise their investments in India, including through the establishment of UAE-India Infrastructure Investment Fund, with the aim of reaching a target of $ 75 billion to support investment in India's plans for rapid expansion of next generation infrastructure, especially in railways, ports, roads, airports and industrial corridors and parks.
   
     Facilitate participation of Indian companies in infrastructure development in UAE.
   
     Promote strategic partnership in the energy sector, including through UAE's participation in India in the development of strategic petroleum reserves, upstream and downstream petroleum sectors, and collaboration in third countries.
   
     Further promote trade between the two countries, and use their respective locations and infrastructure for expanding trade in the region and beyond; and, with the target of increasing trade by 60 per cent in the next five years.
   
     Tap India's expertise in small and medium enterprises to create a vibrant industrial base in UAE, which could also be of benefit to Indian enterprises.
   
     Strengthen cooperation between UAE's increasingly sophisticated educational institutions and India's universities and higher research institutions. Promote scientific collaboration, including in the areas of renewable energy, sustainable development, arid agriculture, desert ecology, urban development and advanced healthcare.
   
     Promote cooperation in space, including in joint development and launch of satellites, ground-based infrastructure and space application. Prime Minister Modi welcomed UAE's plan to set up the West Asia's first Space Research Centre at AI Ain and plans to launch a Mars Mission in 2021.
   
     Cooperate in peaceful uses of nuclear energy including in areas like safety, health, agriculture and science and technology.
   
     The 70th anniversary of the United Nations is an occasion to press for early reforms of the United Nations, and that the Inter-Governmental Negotiations on the reforms of the UN Security Council should be concluded expeditiously. Prime Minister thanked UAE for its support for India's candidature for permanent membership of a reformed United Nations Security Council.
   
     The finalisation of the post-2015 Development Agenda with elimination of poverty by 2030 as its core objective was a welcome development.
   
     The International Conference on Climate Change in Paris in December 2015 should produce an effective agreement, which includes provision of means and technologies to developing countries to transition to clean energy.
   
     The overwhelming global response to the International Day of Yoga was a reflection of global community's ability to come together to seek a peaceful, more balanced, healthier and sustainable future for the world. Prime Minister thanked UAE for its strong support to the International Day of Yoga on June 21 this year.
   
     India and UAE were shining examples of open and multicultural societies, which should work together to promote these values for a peaceful and inclusive global community. India and UAE will also enhance cultural and sports exchanges in each other's countries.
   
     People-to-people were at the heart of India-UAE relations and both governments will continue to nurture these relations and ensure the welfare of their citizens, especially the workers, in each other's country, as also work together to prevent human trafficking.

12.Prime Minister thanked the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi for his decision to allot land for construction of a temple in Abu Dhabi. 

13.     The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and the Prime Minister resolved to maintain regular summits, high level ministerial dialogue and meetings of bilateral mechanisms to realise their vision of a strong comprehensive strategic partnership. They are confident that it would play a defining role in securing a future of sustained prosperity for their people and shaping the course of their region, and also contribute to a peaceful, stable, sustainable and prosperous Asia and the world.

EARLIER REPORT

 Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and India's Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, held talks about ways to enhance bilateral ties of friendship and cooperation and exchanged views on a variety of regional and international issues of mutual interest.

Sheikh Mohamed welcomed the Indian Prime Minister and his accompanying delegation, expressing his delight at the visit, which, he said, comes within the context of the distinguished historic, friendly bilateral ties whose foundation was laid down by the late founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan based on mutual trust, close friendship and mutual interests which, in turn, culminated into a strong partnership.

''The UAE, under the leadership of  President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, is pursuing and promoting Sheikh Zayed's approach through diversified, excellent ties that serve all economic, developmental, trade, cultural and political sectors,'' Sheikh Mohamed said, emphasising the UAE's keenness to further broaden its scope of joint cooperation with the friendly Republic of India in various fields, given India's important status and role in the international scene and for its industrial and technological progress.

Sheikh Mohamed said the UAE was looking forward to scale friendly bilateral ties to new ambitious heights at all levels.

Sheikh Mohamed said: “Your Excellency's interest in visiting the UAE is a true expression of the bonds of friendship and fruitful bilateral cooperation as well as the common vision towards a wide range of regional and international issues. We also share with you this interest, given your country's important role in international politics and global economic growth.''

The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi affirmed the UAE's commitment to promoting the values of tolerance, coexistence, fostering understanding, dialogue and openness to other cultures and seeking inter-nation rapprochement and cooperation.

India, he stressed, has a key role and displays consistent dynamism towards international issues and the UAE would like to see India continuously engage with the international community  in order to solve many problems that are significant to security, stability and development of the region. 

The talks also tackled avenues of joint cooperation that serve mutual strategic interests and took stock of progress in areas of bilateral cooperation as well as means to further expand it.

Sheikh Mohamed highly valued the contributions of the resident Indian community to the development of many sectors in the UAE.

''The Indian community has made significant contributions in the process of building the country and development that the UAE is witnessing. It is a natural extension of age old bonds between the Indian subcontinent and the Arabian Gulf.''

Sheikh Mohamed welcomed efforts aimed at activating and taking joint economic and investment partnership to new sectors and strengthening strategic bonds, particularly in political  domain, to realise the welfare of the two countries and their people.

Sheikh Mohamed also stressed the importance of bolstering channels of communication and coordination for enhancing joint development programmes and discussing strategic projects that advance UAE-India ties.

 ''The Indian Prime Minister's visit to the UAE has significant importance in the light of the leaderships' keenness to push forward bilateral cooperation to new horizons that both countries and people aspire for,'' he said.

As they exchanged views on a wide range of regional and international topics of mutual interest, the two sides emphasised their mutual desire to build more solid and robust ties.

They also recognised that security and stability were two vital requirements in the region to help the engine of development and progress run its natural course.

They also emphatically called on the international community to double its efforts aimed at realising peace, security, and coexistence among nations of the region.

The two countries also strongly condemned all forms and manifestations of extremism, violence and terrorism.

The meeting was attended by Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, National Security Advisor and Deputy Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Council, Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs,  Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan Chief of the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince's Court, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Foreign Minister, Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansouri, Minister of Economy, Saqr bin Ghobash Saeed Ghobash, Minister of Labour, Dr. Anwar bin Mohammed Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Suhail bin Mohammed Faraj Faris Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy, Ahmed Juma Al Za'abi, Deputy Minister for Presidential Affairs, Mohammed Mubarak Al Mazrouie, Undersecretary of the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince's Court, Major General Eisa Saif Al Mazrouie, Deputy Chief of Staff of UAE Armed Forces, and a number of senior officials.

Present from the Indian side were Ajit Doval, National Security Adviser, Dr. S. Jaishankar, Foreign Secretary, Shri Anil Wadhwa, Secretary (East), Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), T.P. Seetharam, Ambassador of India to the UAE, Vikas Swarup, Joint Secretary (External Publicity), MEA, Thanglura Darlong, Joint Secretary (Gulf), MEA, Vivek Srivastava, Director, Special Protection Group, Jawed Ashraf, Joint Secretary to PM, Sanjeev Singla, Private Secretary to PM, and Dr. Deepak Mittal, Director, Prime Minister's Office.