'UAE-India relations have not kept pace with potential'

Abu Dhabi - Joint statement calls Modi's visit beginning of comprehensive strategic partnership.

The UAE and India have admitted that relations between the two governments in the past have not kept pace with the "exponential growth in relations between their peoples or the promise of this partnership".
In a joint statement at the end of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's two-day state visit to the UAE, the two countries said: "However, the need for a close strategic partnership between UAE and India has never been stronger or more urgent, and its prospects more rewarding, than in these uncertain times."
The visit of an Indian prime minister to the UAE after 34 years marks the beginning of a comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries "in a world of multiple transitions and changing opportunities and challenges".
The two countries share centuries-old ties of commerce, culture and kinship, they said. "Today, the Indian community of over 2.5 million is a major part of UAE's vibrant society and its economic success. It also makes a significant economic contribution to India and constitutes an indelible human bond of friendship between the two nations."
The dynamism of the two countries has translated into a "rapidly expanding economic partnership", making India the UAE's second largest trading partner; and the UAE not only India's third largest trading partner, but also her gateway to the region and beyond, the statement said.
"An extensive framework of agreements, including economic, defence, security, law enforcement, culture, consular and people-to-people contacts, constitute solid bedrock for elevating bilateral cooperation across the full spectrum of our relationship."
The two countries' "common vision of progress and prosperity" faces challenges from many shared threats to peace, stability and security in the region. A shared endeavour to address these challenges, based on common ideals and convergent interests, is vital for the future of the two countries and their region, they said.
"The two nations reject extremism and any link between religion and terrorism. They condemn efforts, including by states, to use religion to justify, support and sponsor terrorism against other countries. They also deplore efforts by countries to give religious and sectarian colour to political issues and disputes, including in West and South Asia, and use terrorism to pursue their aims."