Ahmedabad, India — In a significant stride towards enhancing bilateral cooperation within the I2U2 alliance, India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) solidified four crucial agreements on Tuesday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan engaged in talks aimed at bolstering ties, marking the culmination of negotiations in areas such as food processing and renewable energy.
In a notable ceremonial reception, Prime Minister Modi personally welcomed President Bin Zayed at Ahmedabad airport, where the two leaders embarked on a motorcade journey to the meeting venue. The elaborate roadshow drew crowds lining the route, underscoring the historical significance of this visit.
The agreements encompassed diverse sectors, with memorandums of understanding (MoUs) including collaboration between the UAE’s investment ministry and India’s renewable energy ministry on investments in renewable energy. Another MoU focuses on cooperation between the UAE investment ministry and India’s food processing ministry for the development of food parks.
In a bid to facilitate innovation in healthcare, a third MoU between the UAE’s investment ministry and India’s health ministry was finalized. Additionally, DP World, a Dubai-based multinational logistics company, inked an MoU with the Gujarat government to develop green and sustainable ports.
Insiders revealed that these agreements align with the I2U2 alliance’s plans to undertake projects in renewable energy and food processing in Gujarat. Following the first I2U2 Summit in July 2022, the alliance disclosed intentions for a $2 billion investment by the UAE in integrated food parks, addressing food insecurity in South Asia and West Asia. The group also outlined plans for a hybrid renewable energy project in Gujarat.
This marked the fourth meeting between Prime Minister Modi and President Bin Zayed in less than seven months. External affairs ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal highlighted their commitment to a shared and prosperous future, heralding the rapid transformation of the India-UAE partnership.
In a related development, DP World chairman Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem met with Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel to discuss infrastructure projects, signaling potential investments exceeding ₹30,000 crore. DP World is expected to sign three MoUs during the upcoming Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit.
The summit, initiated by Prime Minister Modi in 2003, aims to position Gujarat as a global trade and industry leader. With the theme “Gateway to the Future,” the event is set to host over 100 countries, including partners such as the UAE, Japan, and the UK. The inaugural session on Wednesday will witness the presence of leaders from various nations, including President Bin Zayed.
As part of the summit’s broader context, the construction of the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi, inaugurated by Prime Minister Modi on February 14, 2024, serves as a significant cultural and religious landmark in the Middle East. The temple is constructed on a sprawling 27-acre government land in Abu Mureikah, emphasizing India’s cultural ties with the region.