Charting a historic new course in their strategic partnership for the 21st century, leaders of the UAE and India pledged to coordinate efforts to counter terrorism and radicalisation and misuse of religion.
In a joint statement marking the start of a new era in bilateral ties, His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed AI Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi resolved to denounce and oppose terrorism "in all forms and manifestations."
Both leaders agreed "to seize this historic moment of opportunity and shared responsibility" to call upon all states "to reject and abandon the use of terrorism against other countries, dismantle terrorism infrastructure where they exist, and bring perpetrators of terrorism to justice".
Both nations will enhance cooperation in counter-terrorism operations, intelligence sharing, capacity building, cyber security and maritime safety. The leaders also agreed to strengthen cooperation in law enforcement, anti-money laundering, drug trafficking, other trans-national crimes, extradition arrangements, as well as police training. They also agreed to establish a dialogue between their National Security Advisors and National Security Councils.
More important, and one that reflects the strategic direction the UAE has chosen, a joint statement said the two nations “oppose terrorism in all forms and manifestations... calling on all states to reject and abandon the use of terrorism against other countries, dismantle terrorism infrastructures where they exist, and bring perpetrators of terrorism to justice.”
This is a direct reference to Pakistan's activities, particularly with reference to 2611 accused Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi, without naming it, and shows Islamabad's declining equity in what used to be its strategic backyard. Further, both countries asked all countries “to fully respect and sincerely implement their commitments to resolve disputes bilaterally and peacefully, without resorting to violence and terrorism.”
Modi and the Crown Prince will now meet regularly, while the national security advisers of both countries will meet every six months to take this forward.
The UAE's shift is remarkable because the Emirates' sheikhs continue to have close personal relationships in Pakistan, including the country being their favourite game hunting destination. The UAE was also one of three countries which supported a Taliban government in Afghanistan in the 1990s. For decades, the UAE has been a safe transit for terror groups, organized crime and drug networks from Pakistan, Afghanistan and even India. Sources said the UAE signing on to this agreement signals a new dawn.
India has abandoned its decades-old reticence regarding the Gulf and Middle East. UAE will be the first Gulf country with whom India is talking “interoperability” for both humanitarian assistance and conflict situations, joint manufacture of defence equipment and maritime security cooperation.
India's new outreach to the UAE may have repercussions in two countries - Pakistan and Iran. The UAE has a contentious relationship with Iran, while Pakistan and the UAE have been very close - the Taliban-hijacked IC-814 made a stop in Dubai after taking off from Amritsar.
By upgrading the bilateral relationship to a “comprehensive strategic partnership,” Modi plans to open different sectors of the Indian economy to investment from the UAE.
