India and the United Arab Emirates have agreed on a set of new initiatives and an action-oriented agenda aimed at significantly deepening bilateral cooperation across key sectors, following high-level talks in Abu Dhabi. The discussions took place during the 16th India-UAE Joint Commission Meeting and the fifth India-UAE Strategic Dialogue, co-chaired by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
Both sides reviewed the full spectrum of bilateral relations, including trade and investment, energy, defence and security, connectivity, development partnership, technology, healthcare, and education. Expressing satisfaction with the depth and momentum of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, the two ministers agreed to accelerate cooperation through targeted initiatives in priority areas over the coming year.
Regional and global developments, particularly the evolving situation in West Asia, also featured prominently in the discussions. Jaishankar and Sheikh Abdullah reaffirmed their shared commitment to promoting regional peace, stability, and prosperity, and agreed to enhance coordination on issues of mutual concern. They reiterated their commitment to the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), viewing it as a transformative initiative for regional connectivity and economic integration, while also underscoring their shared focus on advancing the interests of the Global South.
Sheikh Abdullah conveyed the UAE’s strong support for India’s upcoming AI Impact Summit, scheduled for February, as well as for India’s presidency of the BRICS grouping in 2026. These endorsements highlighted the growing convergence between New Delhi and Abu Dhabi on global governance, emerging technologies, and multilateral cooperation.
During his visit, Jaishankar also held meetings with senior UAE leaders, including Vice President and Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, National Security Adviser Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and Khaldoon Mubarak, Managing Director and CEO of Mubadala. These engagements reinforced the shared vision of expanding strategic trust, strengthening economic collaboration, and exploring new avenues for bilateral and trilateral partnerships.
In addition, Jaishankar participated in the Sir Bani Yas Forum from December 13–14, where he exchanged views with international leaders and experts on major geopolitical, security, and technological challenges. Following his UAE visit, Jaishankar is set to travel to Israel for bilateral consultations with Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, coming shortly after Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu agreed to meet in the near future.
India-Israel ties have also seen increased engagement this year, with several Israeli ministers visiting India. Notably, a bilateral investment treaty was signed during Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich’s visit, and the terms of reference for a free trade agreement were finalised during Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal’s visit to Israel last month, reflecting broader regional diplomatic momentum involving India and its West Asian partners.
Picture Credit: Dr. S. Jaishankar | Official X account
