India, UAE Ink Strategic Defence Pact During President Al Nahyan’s Visit
India and the United Arab Emirates have elevated their strategic ties by signing a landmark defence partnership framework. The agreement was sealed during the three-hour state visit of UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to New Delhi on Tuesday.
Key Agreements Signed
- Strategic Defence Partnership Framework: A foundational pact to deepen military and security cooperation.
- Investment in Innovative Healthcare: Agreements for joint investment in cutting-edge healthcare projects.
- Heritage Towns Protocol: A cooperative protocol focused on preserving and promoting shared cultural heritage towns.
High-Level Engagements
President Al Nahyan was received by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the airport, followed by bilateral talks at Hyderabad House. The UAE leader also met President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan, where he was accorded a ceremonial welcome.
“I am happy to welcome my brother, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of UAE and the Ruler of Abu Dhabi, to India. His visit is a testament to our strong and enduring bilateral ties. We look forward to having productive discussions that will further deepen our partnership,” PM Modi posted on X.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also called on the visiting President.
“Honoured to call on President @MohamedBinZayed of UAE during his visit to India. Conveyed the warm greetings of PM @narendramodi. Appreciated his guidance for the advancement of our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership,” Jaishankar stated on X.
Strengthening Comprehensive Strategic Partnership
President Murmu emphasized that the visit would significantly bolster the India-UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
“President Droupadi Murmu welcomed His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan… She said that his visit will further strengthen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and the UAE,” the President’s office posted on X.
Republic Day Chief Guest
Marking a special diplomatic gesture, President Al Nahyan is the Chief Guest for India’s Republic Day celebrations on January 26. This visit marks his fourth trip to India since 2016 and his second as a Republic Day guest, underscoring the consistently warming relations between the two nations.
