In a whirlwind of diplomacy, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s brief stopover in New Delhi has unlocked a treasure trove of agreements. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri described it as a ‘short but highly significant’ engagement, marked by PM Modi’s personal airport reception and subsequent high-level talks.
Delegation-level interactions led to the signing and exchange of key documents, with the UAE team boasting influential figures from both Abu Dhabi and Dubai’s royal families. This composition alone highlights the visit’s gravity.
Trade ambitions soar post-CEPA, with volumes exceeding $100 billion. The duo aims to hit $200 billion by 2032, easing MSME exports to key regions. Defense sees a strategic alliance in the works, while space collaboration between IN-SPACe and UAE Space Agency promises shared launch sites, satellite production, missions, and training facilities.
Gujarat’s Dholera steals the spotlight with UAE’s investment in its Special Investment Region. Expect world-class infrastructure: an international airport, aviation training academy, aircraft maintenance hubs, a new port, smart cities, plus rail and energy upgrades.
Advanced nuclear tech partnerships cover large reactors, SMRs, system development, plant management, and safety. AI, supercomputing clusters, and data centers round out the tech agenda, positioning both nations as innovation powerhouses. This compact visit lays a robust foundation for enduring partnership.