Prime Minister Modi Holds Talks with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan

Abu Dhabi, February 13, 2024: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official visit to the UAE commenced with a warm reception from UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan at the Abu Dhabi airport today. The Prime Minister’s arrival marked the beginning of discussions aimed at bolstering bilateral ties between the two nations.

During their meeting, Prime Minister Modi and President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan engaged in extensive one-on-one and delegation-level talks, focusing on enhancing the already robust Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Discussions encompassed a wide array of sectors including trade, investment, digital infrastructure, fintech, energy, infrastructure, culture, and people-to-people ties. Both leaders expressed satisfaction at the deepening cooperation between the two countries and explored avenues for further collaboration.

Key agreements were exchanged to solidify the bilateral relationship:

• Bilateral Investment Treaty: Aimed at promoting investments in both countries.
• Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on electrical interconnection and trade: Facilitating collaboration in the energy sector.
• Intergovernmental Framework Agreement on the India-Middle East Economic Corridor: Furthering regional connectivity.
• MoU on digital infrastructure projects: Strengthening cooperation in the digital sphere.
• Cooperation protocol between the National Archives: Enhancing bilateral cooperation in archival material preservation.
• MoU for cooperation in heritage and museums: Supporting cultural exchange initiatives.
• Agreement on interlinking payment platforms (UPI and AANI): Facilitating seamless cross-border transactions.
• Agreement on inter-linking domestic debit/credit cards (RuPay and JAYWAN): Enhancing financial sector cooperation.

Prime Minister Modi also extended his congratulations to President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on the launch of UAE’s domestic card, JAYWAN, based on the digital RuPay credit and debit card stack. The leaders observed a transaction using the JAYWAN card, highlighting the significance of financial collaboration.

Furthermore, discussions centered on strengthening energy partnerships, particularly in the LNG sector, with both leaders acknowledging the UAE’s role as a significant source of crude and LPG for India.

Ahead of the visit, agreements were signed by RITES Limited with Abu Dhabi Ports Company and Gujarat Maritime Board with Abu Dhabi Ports Company, aiming to bolster port infrastructure and connectivity between the two nations.

Prime Minister Modi expressed gratitude to President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for his personal support and graciousness in granting land for the construction of the BAPS Temple in Abu Dhabi. Both leaders emphasized the temple’s significance as a symbol of the enduring friendship between the UAE and India, as well as the UAE’s commitment to harmony, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence on a global scale.