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

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

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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."

Key UAE-India agreements  

ANTI-RADICALISATION
. Coordinate efforts to counter radicalisation and misuse of religion by groups and countries for inciting hatred, perpetrating and justifying terrorism or pursuing political aims. The two sides will facilitate regular exchanges of religious scholars and intellectuals and organise conferences and seminars to promote values of peace, tolerance, inclusiveness and welfare that is inherent in all religions
. Enhance cooperation in counter-terrorism operations, intelligence sharing and capacity building
. Work together for the adoption of India's proposed Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism in the United Nations * Work together to control, regulate and share information on flow of funds that could have a bearing on radicalisation activities and cooperate in interdicting illegal flows and take action against individuals and organisations concerned
. Promote cooperation in cyber security, including prevention of use of cyber space for terrorism, radicalisation and disturbing social harmony
DEFENCE
. Cooperate to strengthen maritime security in the Gulf and the Indian Ocean region
. Strengthen defence relations, including through regular exercises and training of naval, air, land and special forces, and in coastal defence
. Cooperate in manufacture of defence equipment in India
. Support efforts for peaceful resolution of conflicts and promote adherence to principles of sovereignty and non-interference in the conduct of relations between nations and settlement of disputes
BUSINESS
. Encourage investment institutions of UAE to raise their investments in India, including through the establishment of UAE-India Infrastructure Investment Fund. The aim is to reach a target of $75 billion to support investment in India's plans for rapid expansion of next generation infrastructure, especially in railways, ports, roads, airports and industrial corridors and parks
. Promote cooperation in space, including in joint development and launch of satellites, ground-based infrastructure and space application
. Cooperate in peaceful uses of nuclear energy, including in areas like safety, health, agriculture and science and technology