Jaishankar Hosts UAE Foreign Minister in Mumbai Ahead of Rubio Talks
Image: Wikimedia Commons.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is hosting the United Arab Emirates’ Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in Mumbai on an official visit on October 19 and 20, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said. Jaishankar will also hold talks with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in the city on October 20, making Mumbai the venue for two major diplomatic meetings in two days.
Energy, Fintech and West Asia With the UAE
The visit is an opportunity to review all aspects of the India-UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, the MEA spokesperson said. The two delegations are expected to take forward work on energy, trade, investment, fintech, defence and connectivity, and to hold a detailed exchange on the situation in West Asia, All India Radio and The Tribune reported.
The talks come days after Jaishankar’s own visit to the UAE from October 14 to 16, when he met the country’s leadership and attended the Raisina Middle East conference.
Rubio Meeting Set for October 20
The MEA confirmed that Jaishankar and Rubio will meet on Tuesday, October 20, after the Congress questioned the ministry’s silence on the visit. Energy, trade, investment, defence and critical and emerging technologies are expected to be on the agenda, Business Today and The Hans India reported. Jaishankar will also be guest of honour at a US event marking 250 years of American independence the same day, ThePrint reported.
Rubio’s visit runs from October 17 to 22 and includes a stop at the Jamnagar refinery in Gujarat. Trade negotiations between the two countries are reported to be near conclusion, with a few issues still open.
Why Mumbai Is Hosting the Talks
Holding both meetings in India’s financial capital fits their business-heavy agendas; the US ambassador has described Rubio’s trip as “more business-focused”. The choice of venue for the Rubio talks has also drawn criticism from the Opposition, as IPB reported in its earlier story on the Rubio visit.
Statements from both meetings are expected after the talks. More in IPB’s Daily Updates.
Based on MEA briefings and reporting by All India Radio, The Tribune, Business Today, The Hans India and ThePrint.
Image: Wikimedia Commons.
