External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has arrived in the United Arab Emirates for an official visit from April 11 to 12, marking an important step in strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership between India and the UAE. During the visit, he is expected to engage in high level discussions with the UAE leadership to review ongoing bilateral cooperation and explore new avenues for collaboration.
The visit is part of Jaishankar’s broader diplomatic tour, which also included engagements in Mauritius. Prior to arriving in the UAE, he attended the 9th Indian Ocean Conference in Mauritius, where he held discussions on regional cooperation and bilateral ties. His participation in the conference underlined India’s commitment to strengthening relationships within the Indian Ocean region.
In Mauritius, Jaishankar focused on enhancing cooperation in key sectors such as energy and sustainable development. He highlighted India’s role in supporting Mauritius’ energy needs and noted that discussions are underway to finalize agreements related to the supply of oil and gas. The ongoing geopolitical developments in West Asia have further emphasized the importance of reliable and strategic partnerships in the energy sector.
Jaishankar also spoke about the growing collaboration between India and Mauritius in the field of clean energy. He mentioned that an Indian public sector enterprise is involved in developing Mauritius’ first floating solar power project. This initiative reflects the shared commitment of both countries to promote environmentally sustainable solutions and reduce dependence on conventional energy sources.
In addition, Jaishankar handed over the final batch of electric buses to Mauritius as part of India’s support for sustainable public transportation. The move is expected to contribute to reducing carbon emissions and improving public transport infrastructure in the island nation.
Turning to his UAE visit, the External Affairs Minister’s discussions are expected to cover a wide range of areas including trade, investment, energy security, and regional stability. India and the UAE share strong economic ties, with cooperation spanning sectors such as infrastructure, technology, and renewable energy. The visit aims to further deepen these ties and explore new opportunities for mutual growth.
The UAE is one of India’s key strategic partners in the Gulf region. Both countries have consistently worked to strengthen their partnership through regular high level engagements and collaborative initiatives. The comprehensive strategic partnership between India and the UAE encompasses cooperation in political, economic, cultural, and security domains.
Jaishankar’s visit also reflects India’s broader foreign policy priorities, including its Neighbourhood First approach and its Vision MAHASAGAR, which focuses on enhancing cooperation in the Indian Ocean region. These initiatives highlight India’s commitment to building strong partnerships with countries in its extended neighborhood and the Global South.
Overall, the ongoing diplomatic engagements in Mauritius and the UAE demonstrate India’s proactive approach to strengthening international partnerships. By focusing on areas such as energy security, sustainable development, and economic cooperation, India aims to enhance its global presence and contribute to regional stability.