Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed conveys birthday greetings to Modi as both leaders commit to expanding trade under CEPA framework
ABU DHABI, Sept. 19, 2026 : UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan spoke by telephone with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday, reviewing momentum across their bilateral economic corridors and coordinating positions on broader Middle Eastern and South Asian stability.
Sheikh Mohamed offered personal congratulations to Modi on the occasion of his birthday, wishing him continued health and reiterating Abu Dhabi’s sustained commitment to New Delhi’s developmental goals. Modi expressed appreciation for the call and reaffirmed India’s resolve to broaden engagement across critical industrial, financial, and logistics sectors.
Bilateral discussions centered on executing existing milestones under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and the landmark Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). Enacted in May 2022, CEPA eliminated tariffs on over 80 percent of product lines, driving non-oil trade toward an annual target of $100 billion. The leaders examined current operational progress across strategic investment initiatives, energy security partnerships, and joint logistics ventures connecting Gulf markets with the Indian subcontinent.
The exchange addressed shared security concerns across the region. With maritime navigation security, West Asian stability, and supply chain resilience facing ongoing global pressure, both leaders stressed the necessity of continuous diplomatic alignment.
The relationship between Abu Dhabi and New Delhi has deepened markedly over the past decade, characterized by high-level reciprocal state visits and formal financial integration, including local-currency trade settlement mechanisms. Both leaders concluded the call by pledging ongoing bilateral consultations across ministerial teams to maintain momentum on trade, clean energy integration, and regional peace initiatives.
