Tue Jan 28 11:18:51 UTC 2025: ## India Deepens Ties with Middle East, Eyes Broader Regional Cooperation

**Abu Dhabi, UAE –** External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized India’s significantly strengthened relationship with the Middle East during his address at the inaugural session of Raisina Middle East in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday. He highlighted the robust trade exceeding $160-$180 billion annually, strong people-to-people connections (with over 9 million Indians residing and working in the Gulf), and expanding infrastructure projects across the region.

Mr. Jaishankar underscored the strategic importance of the Middle East (West Asia) to India, stating it serves as a crucial gateway to the Mediterranean and beyond. He noted India’s substantial trade with the Mediterranean, reaching approximately $80 billion annually, and a large Indian diaspora in the region. Current Indian projects in the Middle East include airports, ports, railways, and investments in sectors like green hydrogen and submarine cables.

The Minister envisioned further extending this cooperation to Africa, Europe, Central Asia, and the Caucasus, particularly in areas such as connectivity and maritime security. He stressed the need for plurilateral cooperation to address global deficits in these areas. Mr. Jaishankar concluded by asserting that India has fully reconnected with its extended neighborhood in the Middle East and intends to deepen engagement further. He also held a meeting with Anwar Gargash, Diplomatic Advisor to the UAE President, to discuss the ongoing special partnership between India and the UAE.

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