External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has said that India-UAE bilateral trade has crossed 100 billion dollars since the signing of their Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). Welcoming UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan to Mumbai, Dr Jaishankar said the relationship is living up to its promise as a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership after more than a decade of sustained engagement.
He said, despite global headwinds and regional challenges, the economic partnership continued to set new benchmarks. Dr Jaishankar said, growing two-way investments reflected businesses’ confidence in each other’s economies, while cooperation in defence, energy and technology was acquiring a strategic character.
Expressing concern over the situation in the Gulf, the External Affairs Minister called for dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the crisis. He reiterated India’s support for the free, safe and unimpeded flow of trade, energy, and fertiliser. He also thanked the UAE leadership for ensuring the well-being of the Indian community in the country.