Today's Edition
NEW DELHI (WAM)
His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, External Affairs Minister of India, co-chaired the Fourth India-UAE Strategic Dialogue, held today in New Delhi.
Commencing his speech, H.H. Sheikh Abdullah extended his thanks and appreciation to Dr. S. Jaishankar, and the respected representatives from India: "It is a privilege to meet with you today as we continue to consolidate the UAE-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
“Your Excellency, I would like to express my sincere gratitude for your consistent dedication and efforts over the past decade in strengthening the partnership and cooperation between our nations. As we reflect on our shared achievements, we now set our sights on even greater aspirations. With renewed commitment and enthusiasm, we aim to reach higher heights, building on the foundation we have established and exploring new avenues for mutual benefit.”
The UAE Top Diplomat highlighted the importance of this strategic dialogue, which he said, "underscores the significance of the lasting and evolving relationship between the UAE and India, demonstrating our shared commitment to fostering mutual prosperity and ensuring long-term sustainable progress.
“We look forward to continuing this journey, confident that our partnership will continue to thrive in the years to come. Our comprehensive strategic partnership has evolved significantly over recent years, achieving notable progress in vital sectors such as trade, education, and energy.”
He shed light on the bilateral trade between the UAE and India, stressing it has reached “new heights, driven by the success of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). This agreement has significantly reduced barriers, fostering stronger trade, investment, and collaboration across key sectors.”
His Highness Sheikh Abdullah added, “The recent high-level visits between our leaders have further solidified our dedication to deepening bilateral cooperation, underscoring the importance we place on open dialogue and meaningful engagement at the highest levels. The collaboration between both countries lays the foundation for innovation and sustainability, creating pathways to a stronger and more prosperous future for our nations.”
He highlighted the importance of the ongoing bilateral partnerships and advancements in areas of renewable energy, food security and critical minerals that highlight the two counties' commitment to mutual growth.
“The emphasis on nuclear energy underscores our shared vision for a low-carbon future, ensuring a reliable and sustainable energy transition. Furthermore, our work together in a new polar research initiative exemplifies our joint efforts to address evolving global challenges, unlocking promising opportunities to tackle issues such as resource management, climate change, and technological innovation.”
It is through these collaborations, he continued, that the two countries “continue to explore new avenues of cooperation, adopting innovative approaches that will take this partnership to even another level.”
Sheikh Abdullah described the air transport link between the two countries as equally vital, citing the hundreds of weekly flights connecting the two nations: “This robust connectivity not only supports tourism and trade, but also strengthens broader bilateral ties, laying the foundation for even greater cooperation in the future. By addressing mutual priorities through constructive dialogue, both countries can ensure this vital sector continues to thrive.”
He underscored the importance of advanced sciences, research, and emerging technologies, including AI and supercomputing, being a priority for the two nations that drive modern solutions, fuel innovation and shape the future in an unconventional and creative ways.
“These fields will empower us to push boundaries, lead pioneering advancements, and tackle critical challenges with both agility and foresight. We also acknowledge bilateral efforts in developing digital infrastructure, a vital foundation for progress and connectivity.”
At the same time, the UAE Top Diplomat stressed that tackling extremism is "key to maintaining a peaceful and cohesive society. Extremist ideologies thrive on division, fear, and misunderstanding, often leading to devastating consequences for individuals and communities alike. By promoting tolerance and mutual respect for diverse cultures, beliefs, and traditions, we can create a society where differences are celebrated rather than feared.”
He added that the final area where the two nations recognise substantial potential for collaboration is in trilateral initiatives with third countries, which, he said, “offer a chance to bring together ideas, expertise, and resources across Africa, Asia and the Pacific, South America, and other regions. They create a platform for fostering trust, strengthening connections, and delivering impactful solutions that leave a lasting, positive legacy for communities and regions worldwide.”
Sheikh Abdullah expressed confidence that the two nations will uncover new ways to work together and strengthen their shared vision: “This meeting is a testament to our commitment—not only to address the challenges before us but also to seize the opportunities that lie ahead, together. I deeply appreciate the warm hospitality you have extended to us, and I look forward to a meaningful and constructive exchange of ideas. Together, I believe we can transform our mutual aspirations into impactful actions that will further strengthen our partnership.”
The UAE delegation to the Strategic Dialogue includes Reem Al Hashemi, Minister of State for International Cooperation; Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh, Minister of State; Lana Zaki Nusseibeh, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Political Affairs; Saeed Mubarak Al Hajri, Assistant Minister for Economic and Trade Affairs; Omran Sharaf, Assistant Minister for Advanced Science and Technology; Abdulla Balalaa, Assistant Minister for Energy and Sustainable Affairs; and Dr. Abdul Nasser Al Shaali, UAE Ambassador to India.
