BREAKING: Abu Dhabi Crown Prince To Visit India Next Month For Talks With PM Modi

Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi's Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who is effectively next in line for the leadership of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), is scheduled to visit India on September 8. The visit, aimed at bolstering trade and strategic relations between the two nations, people familiar with the matter said on Thursday.

Sheikh Khaled, who is expected to be in India on September 8, will feature high-level meetings with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other top Indian leaders.

Focus on Trade and Strategic Ties

Although no formal agreements are expected, both nations are expected to reaffirm their commitment to enhancing cooperation across various sectors, including trade and security. The visit underscores the growing significance of India-UAE relations, particularly in light of the UAE’s position as India’s third-largest trade partner and second-largest export destination.

Background and Context

This visit is part of a series of high-profile exchanges between the two countries in recent years. Prime Minister Modi has made seven trips to the UAE since 2015, while UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, known as MBZ, visited India in September 2023. Crown Prince Khaled, who was named the heir to Abu Dhabi's leadership in March 2023, has made a few international trips, making this visit particularly noteworthy.

Economic Ties Between India-UAE

Since the implementation of the India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) in 2022, bilateral trade has surged, reaching nearly $85 billion in FY23. The UAE is also a significant investor in India, with $16.67 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows from April 2000 to September 2023.

Significance of the Indian Diaspora

The presence of 3.5 million Indian nationals in the UAE, constituting 30% of the UAE's population, further strengthens the relationship between the two countries. The remittances from this community are a vital source of foreign earnings for India.