Raisina Middle East Conference Debuts with Jaishankar as Chief Guest

The first Raisina Middle East Conference was held in Abu Dhabi, UAE, on 28-29 January 2025, with External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr. S. Jaishankar as the Chief Guest. Organized by the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) in collaboration with the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, the conference served as a key platform for discussions on regional geopolitics, trade, and strategic partnerships.

Key Highlights of the Conference

About the Event

• Date & Venue: 28-29 January 2025, Abu Dhabi, UAE
• Chief Guest: EAM Dr. S. Jaishankar

Organizers

• Observer Research Foundation (ORF), India
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs, UAE
• Indian Ministry of External Affairs

Purpose

• Strengthening India-UAE relations
• Discussing regional and global geopolitical and geoeconomic issues
• Enhancing trade, investment, and strategic partnerships
• Promoting regional integration with the global economy

India-Middle East Ties

Trade & Economic Ties

• India’s trade with the Gulf region: $160-$180 billion
• India’s trade with the Mediterranean region: $80 billion
• Key Indian projects in the region: Airports, ports, railways, phosphates, green hydrogen, steel, submarine cables

People to People Linkages

• 9 million Indians live and work in the Gulf region.
• Half a million Indians in the Mediterranean region.

Middle East as a Strategic Gateway

• The Gulf acts as a passage to MENA (Middle East and North Africa), the Mediterranean, Africa, Europe, Central Asia, and the Caucasus.
• India aims to strengthen regional connectivity and maritime security.

India-UAE Partnership

• Trust and credibility are the foundations of India-UAE ties.
• EAM Jaishankar met Anwar Gargash, Diplomatic Advisor to the UAE President, to discuss the special strategic partnership between India and the UAE.

Future Vision

• India seeks to deepen engagement with the Middle East as an extended neighborhood.
• Emphasis on plurilateral cooperation in connectivity and maritime security to address global challenges.

Why Abu Dhabi was Chosen?

• UAE is India’s key partner in the Middle East (West Asia).
• Third-largest trading partner of India (2023-24) after China and the U.S.
• Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) signed in May 2022 to enhance trade and investment.
• India and UAE share a Comprehensive and Strategic Partnership in multiple sectors, including energy, security, and technology.

Dr. S. Jaishankar’s UAE Visit

• Met UAE President Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed.
• Held discussions with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed.
• Met Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled Bin Mohamed Bin Zayed.
• Attended the 76th Republic Day celebrations in Abu Dhabi (27 January 2025).
• Chief Guest: Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed (UAE Deputy PM & FM).

About the United Arab Emirates (UAE)

• Established: 1971 (Federation of 7 Emirates)
• Abu Dhabi (Capital, richest emirate, major oil exporter)
• Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm-al-Quwain, Ras-al-Khaimah, Fujairah
• Capital: Abu Dhabi
• Currency: Dirham (AED)
• President: Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan