Mumbai:The India-UAE relationship will emerge as the defining partnership of the coming decade, said Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal at the UAE-India Business Forum held in Mumbai today. The event was attended by Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, and His Excellency Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade, marking a significant moment in strengthening bilateral ties between the two nations.
Addressing the forum, Goyal emphasized that the India-UAE partnership is built on the pillars of innovation, investment, and sustainable development. Noting the auspicious occasion of the Ganpati Festival, the Minister highlighted that the visit of the Crown Prince during this time symbolized the beginning of a new chapter in bilateral relations.
Goyal expressed confidence in the future of the India-UAE partnership, describing it as having “an outstanding future” under the visionary leadership of both nations. He noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi sees the UAE as a crucial partner in India’s growth story. The Minister pointed out that this visit by the Crown Prince was the sixth high-level visit between India and the UAE in less than a year, underscoring the strength and depth of the relationship.
The forum, themed ‘Beyond CEPA: Innovation and Future-Ready Economies’, focused on key areas such as healthcare, biotechnology, renewable energy, and sustainability, setting the stage for future collaborations in cutting-edge sectors. Goyal acknowledged the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), the local currency settlement initiative, and the establishment of Bharat Mart in Dubai’s JAFZA (Jebel Ali Free Zone) as steps that will expand trade and investment between the two nations. He also emphasized that technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI) will play a key role in driving future engagements.
Goyal praised the leadership of Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled, crediting him for the transformational changes seen in the UAE. He described the visit of the Crown Prince to the Rajghat as historic, highlighting that the Crown Prince planted a sapling there, continuing a tradition started by his father and grandfather.
Looking ahead, Goyal said that the India-UAE relationship will witness a significant transformation in line with the UAE’s 50-year vision and India’s Viksit Bharat@2047 journey, which aims to make India a developed nation by 2047. He urged stakeholders to explore the immense opportunities for investment and trade, as the two nations continue to forge a strong and unbreakable bond.
