Throughout the period of West Asia conflict, India and the UAE remained in close contact.
EAM S Jaishankar held talks with his UAE counterpart Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi on Saturday, in his first visit to the Gulf since the West Asia war began. The two-day visit comes at a crucial time, with ongoing talks between the United States and Iran taking place in Pakistan.
During the meeting, discussions centred on the evolving situation in West Asia and its wider implications. Jaishankar described the interaction as productive, noting that both sides exchanged views on developments in the region.
He also expressed appreciation for the UAE’s efforts in ensuring the safety and well-being of the Indian community living in the country. He said he was confident that the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and the UAE would continue to grow.
Continued India-UAE coordination
Throughout the period of conflict, India and the UAE remained in close contact. Communication continued at both leadership and foreign minister levels, reflecting strong coordination between the two nations.
Jaishankar began his visit by meeting members of the Indian community in the UAE. He spoke about the Government of India’s efforts to ensure their safety and security during the ongoing crisis. He also acknowledged their contribution to local society and appreciated the support extended by the UAE government.
The External Affairs Minister arrived in the UAE after completing his visit to Mauritius, where he attended the 9th Indian Ocean Conference.
Strait of Hormuz concerns
The ongoing conflict has raised serious concerns over the Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping route. The waterway, located between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, handles around 20 per cent of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas supplies.