Mumbai: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday expressed concern over the prevailing situation in West Asia, reiterating India’s support for efforts to restore peace through dialogue and diplomacy during talks with his UAE counterpart, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in Mumbai.
Jaishankar’s remarks came amid heightened regional tensions and reported attacks targeting Saudi Arabia. Al Nahyan, who also serves as the UAE’s Deputy Prime Minister, arrived in Mumbai on Monday evening for a two-day official visit to India.
During the meeting, Jaishankar stressed the importance of maintaining the safe and uninterrupted movement of trade, energy and fertilisers across the region. He also thanked the UAE leadership for safeguarding the welfare of the Indian community living in the Gulf nation.
The External Affairs Minister highlighted the growing economic partnership between India and the UAE, noting that bilateral trade has crossed USD 100 billion since the signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) in 2022.
Despite global economic uncertainties and geopolitical challenges, both countries have continued to strengthen their commercial ties, with investments increasing alongside cooperation in key sectors, Jaishankar said.
He further pointed to expanding collaboration in defence, energy and technology, describing the partnership as increasingly strategic. Cultural exchanges and people-to-people ties have also continued to strengthen relations between the two countries.
India and the UAE have emerged as major trade and investment partners, supported by the CEPA, a framework for settling trade in local currencies and a bilateral investment treaty.
