Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan visited India on September 9th, engaging in high-level discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu. This visit underscores the ongoing commitment of both nations to deepen their bilateral relations across various domains. During the visit, Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Prime Minister Narendra Modi convened to explore and expand the India-UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of India, in its official communication, highlighted that the meeting focused on enhancing cooperation in a diverse array of sectors.
In his remarks posted on the social media platform X, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal noted, “India-UAE ties are taking greater strides! PM Narendra Modi met with HH Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi today. The two leaders discussed the multifaceted India-UAE relations and avenues to broaden the comprehensive strategic partnership to new and emerging areas.”
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The leaders expressed their satisfaction with the progress made in recent years under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. They emphasized the successful implementation of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and the recent activation of the Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT), which are anticipated to provide significant momentum to the economic and commercial ties between the two countries. Key areas identified for future collaboration include nuclear energy, critical minerals, green hydrogen, artificial intelligence, and advanced technologies. Both leaders acknowledged the importance of exploring these untapped sectors to foster innovation and mutual growth.
The Crown Prince also met with President Droupadi Murmu at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, where discussions centered on the long-standing and comprehensive relationship between India and the UAE. President Murmu expressed her appreciation for the UAE’s warm hospitality extended to the Indian expatriate community, which numbers over 3.5 million individuals.
A notable aspect of the visit was the Crown Prince’s tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat. This act was symbolic of the enduring bond between the two nations. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan became the third-generation UAE leader to plant a sapling at Rajghat, following in the footsteps of his grandfather, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and his father, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. This generational continuity highlights the depth and longevity of the bilateral relationship.
The MEA highlighted that this was a rare and significant event, as it marked the first time that leaders from three generations of a single country have honored Mahatma Gandhi by planting trees at Rajghat.
The visit also saw the signing of several key agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) aimed at reinforcing bilateral cooperation in critical sectors. These agreements include:
- MoU on Barakah Nuclear Power Plant Operations and Maintenance: This agreement between the Emirates Nuclear Energy Company (ENEC) and Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) is designed to enhance collaboration in nuclear energy.
- Long-Term LNG Supply Agreement: A strategic agreement between the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) and Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) for the supply of liquefied natural gas (LNG).
- MoU between ADNOC and India Strategic Petroleum Reserve Limited (ISPRL): This MoU focuses on strategic cooperation in petroleum reserves.
- Production Concession Agreement for Abu Dhabi Onshore Block 1: An agreement involving Urja Bharat and ADNOC to explore and develop Abu Dhabi’s onshore oil resources.
- MoU between the Government of Gujarat and Abu Dhabi Developmental Holding Company PJSC (ADQ): This agreement is aimed at developing food parks in India, reflecting a shared interest in enhancing agricultural and food security initiatives.
The visit of Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan marks a significant step forward in the India-UAE relationship, demonstrating a mutual commitment to strengthening ties across a spectrum of areas including energy, technology, and economic collaboration. The agreements signed during the visit and the discussions held are expected to further solidify the strategic partnership between the two nations, paving the way for future cooperation and growth.
