The Ministry of External Affairs announced on Wednesday that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed al Nahyan, will hold a virtual summit on February 18.

According to a news statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs, the two leaders will discuss bilateral cooperation and exchange perspectives on regional and international topics of mutual concern.

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“Both leaders are anticipated to spell out their vision of the two countries’ historic and cordial relations at a time when India is commemorating 75 years of independence as Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav and the UAE is marking its 50th anniversary of founding,” the Ministry of External Affairs announced in a news statement.

Bilateral ties between India and the UAE have improved in many sectors in recent years, and both countries have entered into a comprehensive strategic relationship. In 2015, 2018, and 2019, the Prime Minister visited the UAE, while the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi visited India in 2016 and 2017. Ministerial visits between the two countries have also continued, with the External Affairs Minister visiting the UAE three times and the Commerce and Industry Minister visiting in 2021.

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During the COVID-19 pandemic, both sides worked closely in vital sectors like healthcare and food security. Bilateral relations in trade, investment, and energy have remained strong. The two sides are also expanding their collaboration in new sectors such as renewable energy, start-ups, and fintech. India will have one of the largest pavilions at the Dubai Expo 2020.

The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement is a significant move in bilateral ties (CEPA). CEPA negotiations began in September 2021 and are now complete, according to the Ministry of External Affairs.

The Agreement would elevate India-UAE economic and commercial cooperation to a new level. The UAE is India’s third-largest trading partner, and bilateral trade and investment ties are likely to improve significantly.

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The UAE is home to a sizable Indian community of around 3.5 million people. The Prime Minister of India has extended India’s gratitude to the leadership of the UAE for their assistance to the Indian community during the epidemic. The UAE’s government has also expressed gratitude for the Indian community’s contribution to the country’s progress.

During the pandemic, both parties agreed on an Air Bubble Arrangement in 2020, allowing people to travel between the two nations despite the problems caused by COVID-19.