G20: UAE Poised to Play Key Role in Connecting Middle East with World

The President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, arrived in New Delhi, the capital of the Republic of India, on Friday for the G20 summit. 

Various other UAE leaders also accompanied Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the UAE; Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad, an adviser for Special Affairs at the Ministry of Presidential Court of the UAE; Ali Al Shamsi, Secretary General of the Supreme Council for National Security; Reem Al Hashimy, the Minister of State for International Cooperation in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation; and Dr Sultan Al Jaber, the Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, accompanied Sheikh Mohamed to the G20 summit.

UAE President meets PM Modi

During the first day of the G20 summit in New Delhi on Saturday, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. A replica of Konark Wheel from the Sun temple in Puri, a city in the state of Odisha in eastern India, served as the background of Bharat Mandapam, the G20 summit venue. PM Modi received the UAE President at Bharat Mandapam. 

UAE’s participation in G20 summit

India, which currently holds the presidency of G20, invited the UAE President to take part in this year’s G20 summit as a guest country. While meeting the UAE President, Modi said that he was looking forward to “productive discussions” with him. 

The key priorities for India’s G20 presidency also include sustainable development goals and climate action plans. As the host of the United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties, or the COP28, in 2023, the UAE will play an important role in discussions on global climate action plans. 

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A major railway deal

During the G20 summit, India, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, UAE and the United States are set to announce a major joint railway deal, which aims to connect the Gulf and Arab countries to India. 

Under the deal, an economic corridor will be created to link Middle-Eastern countries through rail links, and link India through shipping lanes. 

US President Joe Biden, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi are expected to announce the deal.

An announcement of the project will likely increase the chances of a possible bilateral meeting between the leaders of India, Saudi Arabia, UAE and the United States on the sidelines of the G20.

According to Axios, the idea for this railway project came up during discussions as part of the I2U2 forum, which comprises India, Israel, the US and the UAE. The four countries announced the concept of establishing railway connections. 

White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said on Thursday, “We believe that connectivity from India across the Middle East to Europe is incredibly important.”

Economic ties between India and the UAE

Economic ties between the UAE and India have been growing in recent years. Last year in February, the two countries signed the CEPA (Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement) in order to boost the bilateral trade deal between the UAE and India. CEPA came into force on May 1, 2022, and India’s total exports to the UAE grew 26 per cent and re-exports increased by 10 per cent.