In recent years, bilateral relations between India and the UAE have strengthened in all areas, the MEA said

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of UAE Armed Forces, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed al Nahyan will hold a virtual summit on Friday and lay out their vision of the historic and friendly relations between the two nations.

“Both leaders are expected to lay out their vision of the historic and friendly relations between the two countries, at a time when India is celebrating 75 years of its Independence as Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav and UAE is celebrating the 50th anniversary of its foundation,” the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement on Wednesday.

As per the Ministry, the two leaders will also discuss bilateral cooperation and exchange views on regional and international issues of mutual interest.

In recent years, bilateral relations between India and the UAE have strengthened in all areas, and both sides have embarked upon a comprehensive strategic partnership.

Prime Minister Modi visited the UAE in 2015, 2018 and 2019 while the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi visited India in 2016 and 2017.

Ministerial visits between the two sides have also continued, including three visits of External Affairs Minister and a visit of Commerce and Industry Minister to UAE in 2021, the Ministry added.

India and the UAE have collaborated closely during the Covid-19 pandemic in critical areas of healthcare and food security, the MEA statement said, adding that bilateral trade, investment and energy relations have remained robust.

The two sides are also strengthening their cooperation in new areas of renewable energy, start-ups and fintech, it said.

India is participating with one of the largest pavilions in the Dubai Expo 2020, it further stated.

A major initiative in bilateral relations is the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), the statement added.

Negotiations for CEPA were launched in September 2021 and have been completed, it said.

The Agreement will take India-UAE economic and commercial engagement to the next level, the statement added.

The UAE is India’s third largest trade partner, and bilateral trade and investment ties are expected to see significant enhancements, it recalled.

According to the statement, the UAE hosts a large India community which numbers close to 3.5 million.

Prime Minister Modi has expressed India’s appreciation to the leadership of UAE for supporting the Indian community during the pandemic, it further said.

The UAE leadership has also been appreciative of the contribution of the Indian community in its development, it mentioned.

Both sides had agreed on an Air Bubble Arrangement in 2020 during the pandemic, which has enabled the movement of people between two countries despite the challenges posed by Covid-19, the statement said.