PM Modi and Abu Dhabi crown Prince hold bilateral talks to strengthen strategic and energy ties
- In Reports
- 06:42 PM, Sep 09, 2024
- Myind Staff
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan held bilateral talks on Monday, focusing on expanding energy cooperation and boosting overall strategic ties between India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The meeting took place a day after the Crown Prince arrived in India for a two-day visit.
The discussions covered a wide range of issues, with an emphasis on strengthening the multifaceted relationship between the two countries. Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), said, "The two leaders discussed the multifaceted IN-UAE relations and avenues to broaden the comprehensive strategic partnership to new and emerging areas."
As part of the bilateral engagement, India and the UAE signed several agreements. One notable agreement guarantees a long-term supply of liquefied natural gas (LNG) between the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) and Indian Oil Corporation Limited. Additionally, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between ADNOC and India Strategic Petroleum Reserve Limited (ISPRL). Another MoU was signed between the Government of Gujarat and Abu Dhabi Developmental Holding Company (PJSC) on the development of food parks in India.
The Crown Prince was warmly welcomed upon his arrival in India, with MEA spokesperson Jaiswal taking to X to extend greetings. “A warm welcome for a close friend. PM @narendramodi received HH Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi at Hyderabad House,” he posted.
Jaiswal further highlighted the comprehensive scope of the discussions, stating, “Discussions on the entire spectrum of India-the United Arab Emirates bilateral relations and future areas of cooperation lie ahead.”
Bilateral relations between India and the UAE have significantly deepened in recent years. In August 2015, during Prime Minister Modi’s first term, the two countries elevated their ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. In February 2022, India and the UAE signed the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), followed by the Local Currency Settlement (LCS) System in July 2023. The LCS System aims to promote the use of the Indian Rupee and the UAE Dirham in cross-border transactions, further boosting economic cooperation.
Image source: NDTV
Comments