Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visits to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Qatar in February 2024 aimed to strengthen economic and strategic partnerships in the Gulf region. In the UAE, PM Modi exchanged eight agreements with UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, focusing on areas such as a Bilateral Investment Treaty, the India-Middle East- Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC) framework, and interlinking payment platforms. The IMEEC framework is particularly significant as it enhances economic cooperation between India, Middle East and Europe, aiming to boost trade to USD 100 billion by 2030.[1]
During his visit to Qatar, PM Modi aimed at enhancing economic ties, promote investment opportunities and foster closer cooperation on regional and exploring avenues for collaboration.[2]
The key takeaways from PM Modi’s Visits:
UAE Visit
- PM Modi held bilateral talks with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and witnessed the exchange of eight agreements aimed at strengthening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and the UAE.[3][4]
- The agreements signed between India and the UAE included a Bilateral Investment Treaty, Inter-Governmental Framework on the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC), and interlinking of payment platforms.[5]
- The IMEEC framework holds particular significance as it paves the way for enhanced economic cooperation between India, the Middle East, and Europe, opening up new avenues for trade and investment across regions.[6]
- The leaders expressed optimism regarding elevating bilateral trade to USD 100 billion well ahead of the target year 2030.[7]
- PM Modi inaugurated the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi, highlighting the cultural bonds between India and the UAE.[8]
- PM Modi interacted with the Indian diaspora, underscoring their vital role in fostering people-to-people connections and contributing to both countries’ prosperity.[9]
Qatar visit:
- PM Modi’s visit to Qatar aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and exploring avenues for collaboration.[10]
- The discussions in Qatar likely focused on enhancing economic ties, promoting investment opportunities, and fostering closer cooperation on regional and global issues of mutual interest.[11]
Key issues addressed by PM during his visits enhance bilateral relationships:
- Deepening bilateral relations: PM Modi sought to expand the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and the UAE, focusing on areas like trade, investment, defence and education.[12]
- Enhancing trade and investment: Both countries looked to boost trade and investment, particularly in the light of UAE becoming India’s third-largest trading partner for the years 2022-23.[13]
- Energy partnership: India and Qatar explored possibilities to expand their energy cooperation, especially in Liquefied Natural Gas(LNG).[14]
- Defence Cooperation: Discussions centred on increasing joint exercises, training programs, and technological cooperation between the armed forces of both countries.[15]
- Space exploration: Collaboration in space research and applications was considered, building upon existing initiatives.[16]
- Cultural and people-to-people ties: PM Modi stressed the importance of maintaining strong cultural and people-to-people ties between India and the UAE, as well as India and Qatar.[17]
- Regional and global issues: Leaders discussed regional and global challenges, emphasizing the need to maintain peace and stability in the region and beyond.[18]
- Release of former Indian Navy personnel: PM Modi’s visit to Qatar followed the return of eight former Indian Navy officers who had been detained in Qatar due to allegations of espionage.[19]
Conclusion
Overall, PM Modi’s visits to the UAE and Qatar aimed to strengthen economic and strategic partnerships in the Gulf region. The agreements signed during these visits reflected a shared commitment to expanding trade relations, promoting investment opportunities, and fostering greater collaboration in areas such as infrastructure development and economic corridors. The visits also highlighted the importance of leveraging India’s strong diaspora network in promoting cultural exchanges, enhancing people-to-people ties, and contributing to economic growth in both countries.
Endnotes
[1] “D&B Bureau,” February 16, 2024. https://diplomacybeyond.com/prime-minister-modi-strengthens-bilateral-ties-during-the-uae-visit/
[2] Shuntaro Fukutomi and Satoshi Iwaki “India’s Modi Woos UAE and Qatar to Counter China in Middle East.” Nikkei Asia, February 14, 2024. https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics/International-relations/India-s-Modi-woos-UAE-and-Qatar-to-counter-China-in-Middle-East
[3] “PM Modi’s UAE Visit Gives Fillip to IMEEC Framework, Bilateral Investment Treaty and Interlinking of Payment Platforms,” ANI News, February 15, 2024. https://aninews.in/news/world/middle-east/pm-modis-uae-visit-gives-fillip-to-imeec-framework-bilateral-investment-treaty-and-interlinking-of-payment-platforms20240215102321/.
[4] “World Needs Governments Which Are Inclusive, Free from Corruption’: Key Takeaways from PM Modi’s UAE Visit,” The Indian Express, February 14, 2024. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/world-needs-governments-which-are-inclusive-free-from-corruption-key-takeaways-from-pm-modis-uae-visit/articleshow/107694215.cms.
[5] “PM Modi’s UAE Visit Gives Fillip to IMEEC Framework, Bilateral Investment Treaty and Interlinking of Payment Platforms,” The Indian Express, February 15, 2024. https://aninews.in/news/world/middle-east/pm-modis-uae-visit-gives-fillip-to-imeec-framework-bilateral-investment-treaty-and-interlinking-of-payment-platforms20240215102321/.
[6] Ibid
[7] ibid
[8] Desk, Web. “PM Modi’s UAE Visit Is More than BAPS Mandir and ‘Ahlan Modi’. Key Points.” The Week, February 13, 2024. https://www.theweek.in/news/world/2024/02/13/pm-modis-uae-visit-is-more-than-baps-mandir-and-ahlan-modi-key-points.html.
[9] Ibid
[10] Ibid
[11] Ibid
[12] “PM Modi Hails India’s Bilateral Ties with UAE, Qatar,” The Indian Express, February 13, 2024. https://indianexpress.com/article/india/pm-modi-hails-indias-bilateral-ties-with-uae-qatar-9158937/
[13] ibid
[14] Pti. “India-Qatar Ties Growing Stronger and Stronger: PM Modi after Talks with Emir.” The Times of India, February 15, 2024. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/india-qatar-ties-growing-stronger-and-stronger-pm-modi-after-talks-with-emir/articleshow/107723356.cms.
[15] “PM Modi Hails India’s Bilateral Ties with UAE, Qatar,” The Indian Express, February 13, 2024. https://indianexpress.com/article/india/pm-modi-hails-indias-bilateral-ties-with-uae-qatar-9158937/
[16] Pti. “India-Qatar Ties Growing Stronger and Stronger: PM Modi after Talks with Emir.” The Times of India, February 15, 2024. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/india-qatar-ties-growing-stronger-and-stronger-pm-modi-after-talks-with-emir/articleshow/107723356.cms
[17] “India, Qatar Historically Have Close and Friendly Relations: PM Modi Ahead of Departure,” The Times of India, February 13, 2024. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/india-qatar-historically-have-close-and-friendly-relations-pm-modi-ahead-of-departure-to-uae-and-qatar/articleshow/107650261.cms
[18] Pti. “India-Qatar Ties Growing Stronger and Stronger: PM Modi after Talks with Emir.” The Times of India, February 15, 2024. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/india-qatar-ties-growing-stronger-and-stronger-pm-modi-after-talks-with-emir/articleshow/107723356.cmshttps://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/india-qatar-ties-growing-stronger-and-stronger-pm-modi-after-talks-with-emir/articleshow/107723356.cms.
[19] India, Times Of. “Qatar Releases 8 Ex-Indian Navy Personnel; PM Modi ‘personally Supervised’ Case.” The Times of India, February 12, 2024. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/qatar-releases-8-ex-indian-navy-personnel-pm-modi-personally-supervised-case/articleshow/107635260.cms
By: Hemshikha Mishra, Research Intern, CS3, USI