UAE-India relations soar to new heights as nations mark exchange of key MoUs

UAE President HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and Indian Prime Minister HE Narendra Modi are meeting for the fourth time in less than seven months. The two sides marked the signing of four key Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) on Tuesday, covering multiple sectors.

The exchange of MoUs – aimed at further enhancing collaboration between the UAE and India – took place in Gujarat. The agreements included,

1. MoU for investment cooperation in the development of food complexes

2. MoU for investment cooperation in renewable energy

3. MoU for investment cooperation in innovative healthcare

4. MoU on establishing sustainable, green and efficient ports

Key MoUs exchanged between UAE and India: Details

One of the agreements involved the Gujarat government and the UAE’s DP World, a Dubai-based global port operator and logistics company, that seeks to develop a multi-modal logistics park and a free trade zone in the state.

The other three MoUs involved the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure and India’s Ministry of New and Renewable Energy; The Ministry of Health and Prevention and India’s Ministry of Health and Family Welfare; and the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment and India’s Ministry of food Processing Industries, according to the official news agency of the UAE.

Taking to X, India’s MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said: “These MoUs reflect the shared vision and commitment of the two leaders to enhance cooperation in various sectors and create new opportunities for mutual benefit.”

UAE President calls India a country “very close to my heart”

Prime Minister Modi received President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, also the Ruler of Abu Dhabi, at the Ahmedabad airport in Gujarat and accompanied him to a roadshow in the capital city, where enthusiastic crowds greeted them.

The UAE leader thanked Modi for the hospitality and praised him for his leadership and vision. He described India as a “country that is very close to my heart,” highlighting the commitment to “strengthening our bilateral relations and exploring new avenues of cooperation.”

The leaders met again on Wednesday at the inaugural session of the ‘Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit‘, held in Gandhinagar. The summit is a platform for business networking, knowledge sharing and forging strategic partnerships for inclusive growth and sustainable development.

Key dignitaries expected at Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit

The summit is also expected to feature the participation of other dignitaries, such as President of Mozambique Filipe Jacinto Nyusi, Prime Minister of Denmark Lars Lokke Rasmussen, and Prime Minister of Malta Joseph Muscat.

Earlier on Tuesday, Modi met CEOs of top global corporations and invited them to invest in India. In addition, he also inaugurated the Vibrant Gujarat Global Trade Show – which showcases products and services of over 1,500 exhibitors from the country and abroad.