New Delhi, July 22 (ANI): India and the United Arab Emirates agreed to expand cooperation on key consular issues, including mobility, extradition, and mutual legal assistance, during the seventh Joint Committee on Consular Affairs meeting held in New Delhi on Wednesday.
Co-chaired by Secretary (CPV & OIA) Sripriya Ranganathan and UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs Under Secretary Omar Obaid Mohammed Al Hesn Al Shamsi, the meeting focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation under the India-UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
During the discussions, the Indian side acknowledged and appreciated measures taken by the UAE to safeguard the interests and well-being of the large Indian community living in the Gulf nation.
Highlighting the outcome of the meeting, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a post on X, “The 7th India-UAE Joint Committee on Consular Affairs meeting co-chaired by Secretary (CPV and OIA) Smt. Sripriya Ranganathan and Under Secretary, UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Omar Obaid Mohammed Al Hesn Al Shamsi, was held in New Delhi today. Both sides agreed to continue to deepen bilateral cooperation in all consular matters, including mobility, extradition and mutual legal assistance, in keeping with the India-UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Indian side appreciated the measures being taken to ensure the welfare and well-being of the Indian community in the UAE.”
The consular meeting followed talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on June 16 on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Evian, France.
Reflecting on the meeting, Modi said in a post on X, “Had a very good meeting with my brother, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. We discussed India-UAE ties across sectors, and ways to further energise our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Once again expressed gratitude to him and the UAE government for the care and concern for the Indian community living in the UAE.”
The meeting in Evian marked the third in-person meeting between the two leaders in 2026, following Prime Minister Modi’s visit to the UAE in May and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed’s visit to India in January.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the two leaders reviewed progress across key areas of bilateral cooperation, including technology, trade, investment, energy, and defense, while also exchanging views on regional and global developments.
“Prime Minister Modi underscored the importance of dialogue, diplomacy, and respect for international law, sovereignty, and territorial integrity in advancing enduring peace, security, and stability in the West Asia region. The two sides called for continued free, safe, and unimpeded navigation, trade, and commerce through the Strait of Hormuz,” the ministry said.
Prime Minister Modi also extended an invitation to President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to attend the BRICS Summit, which India will host later this year. (ANI)
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