Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed to hold online summit with Indian prime minister

Leaders will discuss new era of economic co-operation and more routes for trade and investment

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  Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Photo: Ministry of Presidential Affairs

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  Sheikh Mohamed and Mr Modi during talks at Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi. Photo: Ministry of Presidential Affairs

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  Mr Modi signs a board announcing the introduction of a postage stamp celebrating 150 years since the birth of Mahatma Gandhi, during a reception at Qasr Al Watan. Photo: Ministry of Presidential Affairs

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  Sheikh Mohamed signs the same board announcing the introduction of the stamp. Photo: Ministry of Presidential Affairs

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  Sheikh Mohamed and Mr Modi inspect a guard of honour in the UAE capital. Wam

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  Security forces stand at attention as the national anthem is sung at Qasr Al Watan. Photo: Ministry of Presidential Affairs

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  Mr Modi takes a selfie with Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, left, as they tour the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi. AP

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  Mr Modi pays for sweets with the new RuPay card during a visit to Emirates Palace.

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  Indians queue to hear Mr Modi speak at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Pawan Singh / The National

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  The Dubai International Cricket Stadium fills up before the Indian prime minister's arrival. Pawan Singh / The National

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  Mr Modi speaking at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Pawan Singh / The National

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  The Indian prime minister waves goodbye to the audience after his speech. Pawan Singh / The National

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  Consul General Dr Aman Puri (centre) and guests take part in India’s 73rd Republic Day celebrations at the country's pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National

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  Artists perform cultural dances during the Republic Day celebrations at the Expo site in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National

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  Guests take pictures during the Republic Day celebrations at the Expo site. Pawan Singh / The National

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, will hold an online summit with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday.

During the talks, the two leaders will witness the signing of agreements in the Indian capital, New Delhi, including the UAE-India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement to usher in a new era of economic co-operation and unlock more routes for trade and investment. Negotiations began five months ago and proceeded swiftly.

Today, the UAE is India’s third largest trade partner and accounts for about 40 per cent of its trade with the Arab world. Bilateral non-oil trade is anticipated to rise to $100 billion within five years.

During the meeting the two leaders will aim to build on historic and strategic ties to strengthen co-operation across various sectors.

Sheikh Mohamed and Mr Modi will hold talks on regional and global issues of mutual concern, state news agency Wam reported. They will also discuss ways to establish stronger strategic ties under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership signed in 2017.

Bilateral ties between the UAE and India have intensified significantly in recent years.

Sheikh Mohamed visited India in 2016 and 2017, while Mr Modi came to the UAE in 2015, 2018 and 2019, to deepen the bonds between the countries.

Last November, Sheikh Mohamed held talks in Abu Dhabi with India’s Minister of External Affairs, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar. The pair, along with a high-level delegation, discussed efforts to bolster the partnership between the Emirates and India.

Writing in The National in August, Pavan Kapoor, India’s ambassador to the UAE at the time, said: “The synergies, shared vision and complementary strengths of India and the UAE present a rare opportunity to contribute to the progress of not only our two countries, but also for the broader region and the world.”