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News: Indian Prime Minister recently visited the UAE for the fourth time. India is engaging with the UAE well beyond the confines of diplomatic protocols. This highlighted India’s engagement with the UAE.
What are the recent developments in India and UAE relationships?
-During the virtual summit in February 2022, both sides signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). The deal was negotiated and finalised in just 88 days and promises to increase bilateral trade from $60 billion to $100 billion in five years. It came into force on May 1 and has already ushered in preferential market access for 97% of tariff lines accounting for 99% of Indian exports to the UAE.
-Indian PM Modi has bestowed the Order of Zayed, the UAE’s highest civilian award.
-Recently, India and UAE also issued a Joint Vision Statement titled, “Advancing the India and UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership: New Frontiers, New Milestones”.
– Dubai-based DP World and India’s National Skills Development Council signed an agreement to set up a Skill India Centre in Varanasi. The Centre aims to train local youth in logistics, port operations and allied areas so that they can pursue overseas employment.
What are the regional factors responsible for increased India – UAE ties?
Normalisation of ties between the UAE and Israel: Ever since the signing of the Abraham Accords, the UAE and Israel entered into new avenues of trilateral and multilateral cooperation.
Initiatives from the US: For instance, The US has announced that US President forthcoming visit to West Asia will see a virtual India, Israel, US, UAE are I2U2 Summit.
India should take a sustained public diplomacy to improve its ties with India and the UAE.
Source: The post is based on the article “The significance of PM Modi’s visit to the UAE” published in “Indian Express” on 30th June 2022.
