Jaishankar Flags West Asia Concerns, Highlights Deepening India-UAE Ties
New Delhi. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has expressed deep concern over the evolving situation in West Asia. While reiterating India’s support for efforts to restore peace through dialogue and diplomacy, he said that despite global headwinds and regional challenges, the economic partnership between India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) continues to set ‘new benchmarks’
Speaking during talks in Mumbai with the UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Jaishankar stressed the importance of maintaining free, safe and uninterrupted movement of trade, energy and fertilisers amid regional tensions.
The discussions come at a time of heightened regional uncertainty, with the West Asia situation and reported attacks on Saudi Arabia by Houthi militants.
He also thanked the UAE leadership for ensuring the well-being of the Indian community in the Gulf nation, underscoring the importance of the people-to-people relationship between the two countries.
Jaishankar said “The situation in the Gulf remains a matter of deep concern. We will continue to work together and support all efforts to promote dialogue and diplomacy. We continue to support free, safe and unimpeded flow of trade, energy and fertiliser. I would also like to thank you, and through you, to the UAE leadership for ensuring the well-being of the Indian community in the UAE.”
Turning to bilateral economic ties, Jaishankar said the India-UAE partnership continues to make progress despite global economic uncertainties and regional challenges. Bilateral trade has crossed $100 billion since the signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) in 2022, while investments in both directions continue to grow, reflecting business confidence in the two economies.
Cooperation in defence, energy and technology is also taking on greater strategic significance, Jaishankar said, adding that cultural exchanges and close community ties remain important pillars of the relationship.
The UAE Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Abdullah arrived in Mumbai on Monday (October 20) evening for a two-day official visit. He was received at the airport by Mangal Prabhat Lodha, Maharashtra’s Minister for Skill Development. The visit reflects the regular high-level engagement between the two countries and their commitment to advancing their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
The visit also provides an opportunity for both sides to review cooperation across trade, investment, energy, fintech, defence and connectivity. India and the UAE have significantly expanded their economic engagement since the CEPA came into force in 2022. The agreement, alongside initiatives such as local currency settlements and the bilateral investment treaty, has helped strengthen trade and investment links.
