India and UAE focus energy on economy, Hormuz & security

New Delhi: India and the UAE recently held a brainstorming session on the impact of the ongoing West Asia conflict on regional security and stability, and their impact on economy and energy security.

The session was held between external affairs minister S Jaishankar and UAE minister Reem Al Hashimy here last Friday. She also met foreign secretary Vikram Misri.

India and the UAE share a wide-ranging strategic partnership and during the visit of the UAE President here earlier this year, both sides signed a letter of intent to conclude a strategic defence partnership. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken twice with the UAE President since the beginning of the war, condemning the attack on the Gulf country and hailed his role in safeguarding the interests of millions of Indians there.


The discussions also focused on the importance of safeguarding maritime security, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz, as a vital corridor for global energy supplies and international trade, according to a statement issued by the UAE government. The two sides underscored the need to ensure and uphold the freedom of navigation to support regional and international stability. UAE also defended its right to retaliate against Iranian attacks, according to the statement.

During the meeting, Reem Al Hashimy affirmed that unprovoked acts of aggression targeting the UAE and countries in the region constitute a grave violation of international law, the United Nations Charter, and international humanitarian law.

Al Hashimy emphasised that the UAE will not hesitate to defend its sovereignty and retain its full right to defend itself, its security, and national interests, according to the UAE government statement.

She reaffirmed the UAE's commitment to advancing regional stability.