UAE, India review strategic partnership during joint sessions in Abu Dhabi

The UAE and India have reviewed the progress of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the two countries that aim to advance bilateral trade towards a shared goal of $100 billion.

It was during the 16th Session of the UAE–India Joint Committee and the Fifth Session of the Strategic Dialogue that was co-chaired by Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, and India's External Affairs Minister, Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, In Abu Dhabi.

Both sides welcomed the progress in digital financial integration, including the linkage between India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and the UAE’s AANI platform, as well as the interoperability of the RuPay and JAYWAN cards. It aims to enhance efficiency, reduce costs and expand financial inclusion for businesses, workers, students and travellers.

The pivotal role of education in advancing bilateral cooperation was underscored, with the establishment of the Gandhi–Zayed Centre for Peace, Tolerance and Sustainability Studies described as an important step toward building a sustainable knowledge base that reinforces cultural understanding and academic exchange between the two countries. In this context, both sides also discussed the progress achieved at the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IITD) Abu Dhabi, commending the tangible achievements realised within a short period of time that reflect its academic excellence. 

In his remarks, Sheikh Abdullah praised the steady and expanding growth of UAE–India relations, emphasising that the Strategic Dialogue and Joint Committee continue to serve as effective mechanisms for translating the vision of the leadership of both countries into practical outcomes that support mutual prosperity.