Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded his highly productive two-nation tour, which included visits to France and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). After a successful series of meetings and engagements, PM Modi returned to Delhi, having achieved significant milestones in strengthening bilateral ties and signing key agreements.
During his visit to Abu Dhabi, PM Modi engaged in talks with President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, where both leaders discussed various areas of cooperation. The highlight of the UAE visit was the announcement of a new campus of the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi in Abu Dhabi. This move is expected to further enhance educational collaboration between India and the UAE.
Furthermore, India and the UAE agreed to promote the use of local currencies for cross-border transactions and interlink payment systems, facilitating smoother trade and financial interactions between the two nations. These agreements are poised to boost economic cooperation and deepen the strategic partnership between India and the UAE.
The Prime Minister also assured India’s full support for the UAE’s COP28 presidency during his meeting with the President-designate of the UN climate conference, Sultan Al Jaber. The discussions focused on ways to advance sustainable development, with PM Modi emphasizing India’s contributions, particularly through the Mission LiFE initiative.
PM Modi received a warm welcome upon his arrival in the UAE, as the iconic Burj Khalifa, one of Dubai’s top attractions, illuminated the night sky with the colors of the Indian national flag. The stunning light show also featured the Prime Minister’s image and a message extending a warm welcome to him.
India and the UAE share a deep and multifaceted relationship, collaborating across various sectors such as trade, investments, energy, food security, science and technology, education, fintech, defense, security, and people-to-people ties. The Indian expatriate community in the UAE, constituting approximately 30% of the country’s population, plays a vital role in fostering these strong bilateral bonds. As of 2021, the number of resident Indian nationals in the UAE stood at an estimated 3.5 million.
PM Modi’s visit to France was equally significant, as he engaged in wide-ranging talks with President Emmanuel Macron at the Elysee Palace. The discussions covered a broad spectrum of topics, including long-term visas, university partnerships, and the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. PM Modi hailed France as a natural partner in India’s progress and expressed his appreciation for the warm reception he received during his visit.
The successful completion of PM Modi’s two-nation tour highlights the Indian government’s commitment to strengthening diplomatic ties, promoting bilateral trade and investment, and addressing global challenges such as climate change. The agreements and engagements during these visits have laid a solid foundation for enhanced cooperation between India, the UAE, and France, fostering prosperity and sustainable development.
Sources By Agencies
