Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and Narendra Modi discuss ties

Pair discuss Covid-19, international developments and ways to enhance relations between the UAE and India

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces with Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India, during a reception at Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi in 2019. Courtesy: Ministry of Presidential AffairsShow less

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, spoke on the phone on Thursday to discuss ways to increase ties between their countries.

Sheikh Mohamed, also Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and Mr Modi exchanged views on the latest regional and international developments, and global issues of mutual interest.

They reviewed the latest developments on Covid-19 worldwide and how to increase co-operation between the UAE and India to battle the virus.

Sheikh Mohamed congratulated Mr Modi on India's Republic Day, which fell on January 26, and wished him and his people further development, stability and prosperity.

He spoke of the strong ties between the UAE and India, and the Emirates' wish to develop them further, especially in the economic, trade, technology and energy, in the interest of their people.

Mr Modi thanked Sheikh Mohamed for his good wishes and echoed the desire to boost ties.

Relations between the UAE and India are generational and deep, having established diplomatic ties in 1972, a year after the Emirates was founded.

Today, more than three million Indians call the UAE home.

Annual trade between the countries is estimated at $60 billion, making the UAE India’s third-largest trade partner.

Mr Modi previously described building closer ties with the UAE as one of India’s greatest foreign policy achievements.

He has visited the UAE three times in four years and received the Order of Zayed, the nation's highest civilian award, from Sheikh Mohamed in August 2019.

Sheikh Mohamed was the chief guest at India’s Republic Day celebrations in 2017, his second visit to the country in less than a year.

Narendra Modi's last visit to the UAE:

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, presents a Zayed Medal to Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India, during a reception at Qasr Al Watan. Ministry of Presidential Affairs

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and Narendra Modi stand for the national anthem during a reception, at Qasr Al Watan. Ministry of Presidential Affairs

Mohamed bin Zayed and Narendra Modi, share a handshake. AFP

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed meets with Narendra Modi at Qasr Al Watan. Ministry of Presidential Affairs

Narendra 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. Ministry of Presidential Affairs

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed 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. Ministry of Presidential Affairs

Mohamed bin Zayed receives Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Qasr Al Watan, where he was accorded an official reception. Twitter/ Mohamed bin Zayed

Mohamed bin Zayed holds official talks with Narendra Modi on enhancing strategic ties as well as regional and international issues of mutual interest. Twitter/ Mohamed bin Zayed

Mohamed bin Zayed receives Narendra Modi at Qasr Al Watan, where he was accorded an official reception. Twitter/ Mohamed bin Zayed

Mohamed bin Zayed receives Narendra Modi at Qasr Al Watan, where he was accorded an official reception. Courtesy Indian Embassy

Mohamed bin Zayed receives Narendra Modi at Qasr Al Watan, where he was accorded an official reception. Twitter/ Mohamed bin Zayed

Mohamed bin Zayed receives Narendra Modi at Qasr Al Watan, where he was accorded an official reception. Courtesy Indian Embassy

Mohamed bin Zayed receives Narendra Modi at Qasr Al Watan, where he was accorded an official reception. Twitter/ Mohamed bin Zayed

Narendra Modi visited Emirates Palace this morning, paying for sweets with the new RuPay card. Courtesy Indian Embassy

Mohamed bin Zayed and Narendra Modi, reviewing honour guard in the UAE capital. AFP