Strengthening ties: Modi and Sheikh Hamdan discuss expanding India-UAE cooperation 

NEW DELHI: India and the UAE have agreed to strengthen bilateral ties and expand cooperation in various fields. The decision was taken during a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Dubai Crown Prince and UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Hamdan arrived yesterday at the invitation of Modi. This is Hamdan's first visit to India as Defense Minister.

Cooperation will be strengthened in areas such as trade, investment, defense, tourism, industry, infrastructure development, artificial intelligence, logistics, advanced technology, food security, space, digital transformation, and skill development.

Sheikh Hamdan said that cooperation in areas such as healthcare, education, and defense is crucial. He highlighted the contributions made by the Indian community to the development of the UAE.

Modi noted in the letter that Dubai has played a significant role in advancing the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.

Hamdan also held meetings with Defense Minister Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. Hamdan will hold talks with industry leaders in Mumbai tomorrow. Ministers and industry leaders from Dubai will participate.

Meeting fruitful: Rajnath Singh

Defense Minister Rajnath Singh said the meeting with Hamdan was fruitful. The discussions focused on enhancing defense cooperation, exploring joint ventures in the security sector, and consolidating efforts for regional stability.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar took to social media to commend the extensive cooperation and vibrant ties between the two countries.

Received by Suresh Gopi

On his arrival at the Delhi airport yesterday morning, Sheikh Hamdan was received with official honours by Union Minister of State for Petroleum and Tourism Suresh Gopi. The reception was accompanied by a chenda melam. Ministers, senior officials and a high-level business delegation were present.