Jaishankar and Ras Al Khaimah Ruler Strategize on India-UAE Ties
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar discusses bilateral relations and the Gulf situation with the Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah during his UAE visit.
External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar has concluded a high-profile official visit to the UAE, capping it off with a significant meeting with HH Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, the Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah and a member of the UAE Supreme Council. The discussions focused heavily on augmenting India-UAE ties and analyzing the current volatile situation in the Gulf region.
Deepening Regional Engagements
Following the meeting on Friday, Minister Jaishankar took to X to express his gratitude for the insights provided by Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi. The Minister highlighted that the conversation was centered on strengthening the bilateral bond between the two nations and deepening India's strategic engagement within the broader Gulf region.
This meeting was a key part of a three-day diplomatic tour from October 14 to 16, during which India sought to reinforce its presence and partnerships in the Middle East.
Navigating the 'Continental Corridors'
Beyond bilateral meetings, EAM Jaishankar played a pivotal role in the Raisina Middle East Dialogue held in Abu Dhabi. Participating in a session titled 'The Continental Corridors: Who Connects the Heartland?', the Minister provided a deep dive into the shifting dynamics of global connectivity.
During the discussion, Jaishankar pointed out several critical shifts in the global landscape:
- Intensifying Competition: He noted that global competition has grown more fierce, leading to the emergence of new chokepoints.
- Resilient Globalization: While asserting that globalization is an irreversible process, he emphasized that nations must now navigate it with far greater resilience.
- The IMEC Factor: He highlighted that the India-Middle East Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) is already influencing how the region thinks about connectivity.
The Minister stressed that as the world evolves, India is focused on building its internal strengths and forging partnerships based on trust.
A Comprehensive Diplomatic Push
The Raisina Middle East Dialogue, hosted in collaboration between India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the UAE's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, marked the second edition of this strategic forum.
Earlier in his visit on Wednesday, EAM Jaishankar met with his UAE counterpart, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al-Nahyan. The two leaders exchanged views on various global issues and bilateral matters, reaffirming the strength of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership that defines the relationship between New Delhi and Abu Dhabi.