India-UAE Strengthen Strategic Ties at High-Level Abu Dhabi Summit: CEPA, IMEC & Defence in Focus
Abu Dhabi witnessed a significant step forward in India-UAE relations as External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar and UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan co-chaired high-level meetings on Monday. The 16th Joint Commission Meeting (JCM) and the 5th India-UAE Strategic Dialogue served as a pivotal platform to review and accelerate the countries’ Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
The talks, involving senior officials from both nations, comprehensively assessed the rapidly expanding bilateral relationship and set an ambitious agenda for future collaboration across trade, defence, energy, and culture.
Economic Ties Powered by CEPA & BIT Take Center Stage
A major review point was the transformative impact of the India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and the Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT). Ministers highlighted how these agreements, implemented in 2022 and 2024 respectively, have dramatically boosted India-UAE trade, investment flows, and economic integration. Both sides committed to leveraging these frameworks to further diversify and deepen commercial engagement.
Strategic Connectivity: Pushing Forward the IMEC Project
Enhancing India-UAE connectivity was a priority, with strong emphasis on the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). Discussed as a visionary project, the IMEC aims to revolutionize trade and transport linkages between Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, unlocking new economic opportunities and fostering regional integration.
Deepening Cooperation in Energy Security & Defence
The India-UAE Joint Commission placed significant focus on energy cooperation. The partners agreed to expand long-term collaboration in energy security, civil nuclear projects, and clean technologies like green hydrogen and renewable energy.
On India-UAE defence cooperation, discussions progressed on enhancing collaboration in defence industries, joint training, and maritime security. This strengthening of security ties is viewed as crucial for addressing shared challenges and ensuring stability in the Indo-Pacific and West Asia regions.
Fostering Cultural Bonds & High-Level Bilateral Engagements
Recognizing the deep historical ties and the vibrant Indian diaspora in the UAE, ministers agreed to expand cultural partnerships, educational exchanges, and collaboration in science, technology, and space research.
Beyond the formal dialogues, Dr. Jaishankar held key bilateral meetings. He called on UAE Vice President Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, focusing on economic and defence collaboration. A separate meeting with Khaldoon Al Mubarak, CEO of Mubadala Investment Company, centered on global economic trends and expanding bilateral investment and innovation partnerships.
Conclusion: A Roadmap for a Future-Ready Partnership
The successful Abu Dhabi summit underscores the mature and multifaceted nature of India-UAE relations. From the robust CEPA-driven trade and strategic IMEC project to forward-looking partnerships in defence and clean energy, the two nations have charted a comprehensive roadmap. These high-level talks reaffirm a shared strategic vision for a stable, prosperous, and future-oriented India-UAE strategic partnership.
