India, UAE explore stronger investment and strategic ties during Misri's visit

Misri, who visited the UAE from November 1 to 2, held a series of meetings with senior Emirati officials to review progress under the India-UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and identify new opportunities for cooperation across economic, cultural and strategic sectors.

The discussions also covered developments in West Asia and other regional and global issues, reflecting the importance both countries attach to their partnership amid continuing geopolitical uncertainties.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the visit formed part of regular high-level engagement between New Delhi and Abu Dhabi and provided an opportunity to assess the implementation of bilateral initiatives.

𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗰 𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄𝗲𝗱

Misri met UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation and Special Envoy for India Reem Al Hashimy in Abu Dhabi, where the two sides reviewed the full spectrum of bilateral relations.

The discussions focused on strengthening cooperation under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and exploring opportunities for further engagement across different sectors.

Both officials also exchanged views on the situation in West Asia and international developments of mutual concern.

The Indian Embassy in the UAE said the meeting reflected the continuing commitment of both countries to deepen their strategic relationship and maintain close coordination on regional matters.

The talks followed several high-level diplomatic exchanges between India and the UAE in recent weeks, including meetings involving senior ministers and members of the Emirati leadership.

𝗜𝗻𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗳𝗹𝗼𝘄𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗰𝘂𝘀

Economic cooperation featured prominently during Misri's meeting with Jassem Mohamed Bu Ataba Al Zaabi, Chairman of Abu Dhabi's Department of Finance and Managing Director and Group CEO of L'IMAD Holding Company.

The two officials discussed ways to expand bilateral economic engagement, increase investment flows and develop commercial partnerships capable of delivering long-term benefits to both economies.

The MEA said the discussions explored opportunities for strengthening investment ties and expanding cooperation between Indian and Emirati businesses.

The UAE is among India's important economic partners in West Asia, with bilateral engagement extending across energy, infrastructure, logistics, financial services and technology.

The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which came into effect in May 2022, has provided an important framework for expanding trade and commercial cooperation.

Bilateral trade reached approximately $101.25 billion in 2025-26, while the two countries have set a target of $200 billion in annual trade by 2032.

𝗛𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗮 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗰𝘂𝘀𝘀𝗲𝗱

Cultural cooperation and tourism were also discussed during Misri's meeting with Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of Abu Dhabi's Department of Culture and Tourism.

The two sides explored closer institutional links and opportunities to expand cultural and creative exchanges, including cooperation on the proposed House of India initiative.

The project envisages a cultural institution in Abu Dhabi showcasing India's art, history and heritage, with a proposed museum forming part of the initiative.

The proposal was among the areas of cooperation discussed during UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan's visit to India in January 2026.

The latest discussions examined opportunities to take forward cultural collaboration and strengthen tourism and people-to-people exchanges.

Both countries view such initiatives as a means of broadening their relationship beyond traditional trade and diplomatic engagement.

𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵-𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 𝗲𝘅𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝘂𝗲

Misri's visit came shortly after UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan travelled to Mumbai for talks with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on October 19 and 20.

The two ministers reviewed cooperation in trade, investment, energy, technology, logistics, defence, education and people-to-people exchanges.

Another senior Emirati leader, Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, visited New Delhi on October 22 and met Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

These engagements have contributed to regular diplomatic consultations between the two countries as they seek to expand cooperation under their strategic partnership.

The UAE also hosts a substantial Indian expatriate community, which plays an important role in strengthening economic and social connections between the two nations.

𝗙𝗼𝗰𝘂𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴-𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗺 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽

The MEA said Misri's engagements highlighted the mutual trust and strategic understanding underpinning India-UAE relations.

The discussions indicated a shared interest in translating existing agreements into greater investment, commercial cooperation and institutional collaboration.

While no new agreement was announced following the visit, the meetings provided an opportunity to identify areas for future engagement and review the progress of ongoing initiatives.

The visit reinforced the importance of the UAE as a strategic and economic partner for India, particularly as both countries pursue ambitious trade targets and seek closer coordination on developments affecting West Asia.