External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, the Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah and a member of the UAE’s Supreme Council, on Friday. This meeting was part of Jaishankar’s three-day visit to the United Arab Emirates, aimed at reviewing the progress of the India-UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Jaishankar arrived in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday, initiating a series of discussions on bilateral relations. Following the meeting, Jaishankar expressed his gratitude on social media platform X, stating, “An honour to meet HH Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, the Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah & member of the UAE Supreme Council.”

He acknowledged the insights shared by Sheikh Saud regarding the enhancement of India-UAE relations and the importance of deepening engagements within the region. The discussions also reportedly included the current situation in the Gulf, reflecting the shared interests and concerns of both nations regarding regional stability and cooperation.

Context of the Visit

Ras Al Khaimah is one of the seven emirates that constitute the UAE, positioned near the northernmost point of the country. It shares an international border with Oman and is strategically located along the Gulf coast adjacent to the Strait of Hormuz. This geographical significance underscores the emirate’s role in regional dynamics and its relationship with India.

During his visit, Jaishankar also met with his UAE counterpart, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, on Wednesday. The two leaders exchanged views on various bilateral and global issues, further solidifying the diplomatic ties between the two nations. The discussions are part of ongoing efforts to enhance cooperation across multiple sectors.

India and the UAE have significantly expanded their collaboration in recent years, particularly in areas such as trade, investment, energy, defence, and security. The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, which came into effect in May 2022, has established a framework for increasing bilateral trade and economic engagement, reflecting the growing interdependence of the two countries.

Significance of India-UAE Relations

The UAE is a crucial partner for India in the Gulf region, serving as a major source of energy supplies and investment. The relationship is further strengthened by the presence of a large Indian expatriate community in the UAE, which is the largest ethnic group in the country, constituting approximately 35 per cent of the population.

As of 2024, around 4.3 million Indian nationals reside in the UAE, highlighting the deep-rooted connections between the two nations. Jaishankar’s visit aimed to review the existing strategic partnership between India and the UAE, focusing on enhancing bilateral and regional engagements. The discussions also included an exchange of views on the evolving situation in the Gulf, which remains a focal point for both countries in terms of security and economic interests.

The ongoing dialogue between India and the UAE reflects a commitment to fostering a robust partnership that benefits both nations and contributes to regional stability. As both countries navigate the complexities of the Gulf landscape, their cooperation is expected to play a significant role in addressing mutual challenges and opportunities.

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