LOC20:35
17:35 GMT
NEW DELHI, Jan 19 (KUNA) -- India and the UAE on Monday agreed to deepen bilateral ties in a number of areas after extensive talks between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and visiting UAE President Mohamad bin Zayed Al-Nahyan.
A statement from the Indian Ministry of External Affairs said that Modi and Mohamad bin Zayed Al-Nahyan reviewed the full scope of bilateral cooperation between the two countries. They agreed that the India-UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership has continued to strengthen over the past decade.
The two leaders welcomed the robust growth in trade and economic cooperation since the signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement in 2022 and noted the rapid growth of bilateral trade, which reached USD 100 billion in FY 2024-25 and both decided to double bilateral trade to target USD 200 billion by 2032.
Both sides reaffirmed their strong commitment to enhancing UAE-India cooperation in food security, recognising its strategic importance in ensuring sustainable supply chains and long-term resilience.
The two leaders agreed to deepen cooperation in space sector. In this context, they welcomed the understanding reached to collaborate on a joint initiative aimed at driving commercialisation of the sector through the advancement of space sciences and technologies.
The two leaders decided to strengthen collaboration in science and technology and innovation, especially in the areas of artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies.
The two leaders expressed satisfaction with the strength of the bilateral energy partnership and underscored the UAEآ’s contribution to Indiaآ’s energy security. The two leaders appreciated the deepening financial sector cooperation between the two countries.
The leaders highlighted deep respect for each otherآ’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and the importance of strategic autonomy. They acknowledged steady and strong bilateral defence and security cooperation as a core pillar of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
The two leaders recalled the launch of the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor on the margins of the G20 summit in Delhi in September 2023. They reaffirmed their commitment to the initiative, which would be of great strategic importance and would significantly enhance the flow of commerce and energy between India, the Middle East and Europe.
The two leaders exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest, underlining their shared interest in regional peace, security and stability. Both sides highlighted their collaboration in polar science and noted the positive outcomes of joint expeditions and institutional cooperation. (end)
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