'Model for any country': MoS Muraleedharan praises India-UAE ties

Union Minister of State (MoS) V Muraleedharan praised the historical relations between India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and stated that any country looking to interact with India should follow the precedent set by the two countries’ Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).

The Minister of State for External Affairs went on to say that Vibrant Gujarat has demonstrated the vital role that Gujarat is playing in the development of India.

“The presence of the UAE President and many dignitaries across the world show the importance of Vibrant Gujarat as well as the role Gujarat is playing in the growth of India. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, India is poised to take a great leap and the world is looking towards India (being) one of the largest growing economies of the world,” Muraleedharan was quoted as saying by news ANI.

He went on to say that the state’s business-friendly climate will benefit both India and the nation making investments here.

“UAE and India have a very historical connection. We are connected in economy, politics, strategic relations as well as people-to-people. We have CEPA which was signed 1.5 years ago and it is creating a lot of productive outcomes. It is considered a model for any country to engage with India,” Muraleedharan told the media.

“Prime Minister Modi is visiting UAE for the inauguration of the BAPS Mandir and there is a huge diaspora meet also. So, this interaction at the highest level. Leaders of both countries frequently meet. Prime Minister was there for the COP28 also. All this is contributing to the relationship of these two countries,” he added.

In 2018, the United Arab Emirates and India signed the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).

The goal of this comprehensive agreement is to strengthen the two nations’ trade and economic relations.

Speaking earlier in the day at the 10th Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan stated that the annual event has developed into a significant global forum for the sharing of knowledge on investment and economic growth.

The president of the United Arab Emirates also thanked the attendees and organizers of the event and offered his best wishes for the summit’s success in reaching a decision that promotes wealth, progress, and collaboration for all parties.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the President of the UAE and remarked that his remarks were extremely encouraging in a post on social media site X after his speech.

In advance of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit, PM Modi and the president of the UAE conducted a roadshow in Ahmedabad. In Ahmedabad, a sizable crowd greeted PM Modi and the president of the UAE.

In the meantime, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan witnessed the signing of many Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) on Tuesday between India and the UAE.

Modi led the founding of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit in 2003 while serving as the state chief minister.

(With agency inputs)