UAE ambassador discusses relations with India, says "no limit to what we can do"

As Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarks on a two-day visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the focus is on strengthening cooperation across various sectors, including energy, ports, fintech, digital infrastructure, railways, and investment flows.

Discussions on multiple agreements are anticipated following talks between PM Modi and the UAE President, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

In an exclusive interview with NDTV ahead of the visit, UAE Ambassador to India, Abdulnasser Jamal Alshaali, provided insights into the expectations and the broader context of the India-UAE relationship.

"We are expecting a successful visit for sure. The World Government Summit 2024, the engagements at the stadium, bilateral talks, the inauguration of the BAPS temple; we are excited," Ambassador Alshaali said.

The discussion highlighted the scheduled inauguration of the BAPS temple in Abu Dhabi, emphasizing the cultural connection and the message of tolerance and acceptance it conveys.

Ambassador Alshaali noted, "It is a message of tolerance and acceptance. We do not discriminate in terms of religion, ethnicity, etc. This is also a testament to what the relationship between India and UAE is all about. It is not just a business-to-business or government-to-government relationship, but a people-to-people connection."

Addressing the camaraderie observed between UAE President and PM Modi, the ambassador stated, "There is no limit to what we can do together."

On the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) signed in 2022, Ambassador Alshaali acknowledged initial skepticism due to the COVID-19 pandemic but highlighted the remarkable speed at which the agreement was negotiated and signed, underscoring the strong bilateral relationship.

"Being able to come to the table, negotiate the agreement, and sign it in under such a short period says a lot about the relationship between the two countries. We have seen trade growing since CEPA was signed, we have seen investments going to both countries and also interest growing among Indian businesses to work in the UAE and vice versa," he said.

During PM Modi's visit to Abu Dhabi last year, several MOUs were signed between India and the UAE on renewable energy, healthcare, and trade. The two countries recorded trade of about $85 billion in 2022-23, with the UAE ranking among the top four investors in India in terms of foreign direct investments.

The India-Middle East-Europe economic corridor, unveiled at the G20 summit, is seen by many as a counter to China's Belt Road Initiative, further transcending India-UAE bilateral relations. Ambassador Alshaali stated, "What started as a concept last year is now seeing the light of day. There will be more context on this after PM Modi's visit."

Comparing the period since PM Modi's first visit to the UAE in 2015 with the preceding years, the ambassador highlighted unprecedented high-level engagement, increased investments, and growing trade between the two nations.

"Since PM Modi's first visit to the UAE in 2015, we have seen high-level engagement, investments, and trade between the two countries. If all of this could be achieved in such a short period, I cannot even begin to imagine what we can achieve in the coming years," he said.

The Indian community, approximately 3.5 million strong, forms the largest expatriate group in the UAE. Ambassador Alshaali emphasized the pivotal role played by the Indian community in the UAE's success.

"They have played an important role and I think they will continue to play an important role. Some see the UAE as their second home, and that will continue to be the case in the coming years. What has changed perhaps now is that as we venture into other sectors, Indians are coming from other specializations to the UAE to see how they can expand their business or contribute to UAE's development," said the ambassador.

Following the UAE tour, PM Modi is set to depart for Qatar on Wednesday.