India and the UAE have solidified their collaboration by finalizing four agreements, with a focus on food processing and renewable energy. The discussions took place during talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan at the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit. This visit by the UAE President is considered a highlight of the summit, aiming to strengthen trade and investment ties post the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement signed in February 2022.
In a notable gesture, Modi personally welcomed the UAE President at Ahmedabad airport, and the leaders proceeded to their meeting venue in a motorcade, drawing attention from hundreds of onlookers along the route. This marks the first time Modi has hosted a leader from a West Asian country in his home state of Gujarat in such a fashion.
Building upon the first I2U2 Summit in July 2022, the UAE is set to invest $2 billion in developing integrated food parks in India, with the objective of addressing food security in South Asia and West Asia. Additionally, plans were unveiled for a hybrid renewable energy project in Gujarat, featuring 300MW of wind and solar capacity.
This meeting between Modi and the UAE President marks the fourth in less than seven months, underscoring the rapidly evolving partnership between the two nations. They expressed commitment to a shared and prosperous future.
As part of the visit, DP World Chairman Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem engaged with Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel to discuss infrastructure projects. DP World is expected to sign three MoUs with investments exceeding ₹30,000 crore. The AD Ports Group is also anticipated to sign an agreement to develop a port city in Gujarat. Furthermore, Lulu Group International plans to invest ₹3,000 crore in Gujarat for building India's largest shopping mall.
India's strategic focus on strengthening ties with key West Asian nations aligns with its perception of the region as an extended neighborhood, providing a significant portion of its energy supplies and housing around nine million Indians.
In another historic development, the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Sansthan has constructed the first grand Hindu temple in the Middle East, situated in Abu Dhabi. Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to inaugurate this iconic temple on February 14, 2024.
The Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit, initiated by Modi in 2003, aims to position the state as a global leader in trade and industry. The theme for the current three-day event is "Gateway to the Future," with over 100 countries actively participating, including 30 as partners. The summit encompasses conferences on technology, innovation, sustainable manufacturing, green hydrogen, electric mobility, and renewable energy. Joining Modi for the inaugural session are leaders from the Czech Republic, Timor-Leste, and Mozambique, highlighting the global significance of the event.