Qatar crisis not to impact Indian interests, expats in Dubai: UAE FM

The visiting Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of the UAE Dr Anwar Gargash has said that the ongoing Qatar crisis will not affect the Indian working in UAE and Indian interests in the Gulf region. Dr Gargash made his remarks while speaking to mediapersons on the last of day of his two-day visit to India yesterday.

Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj (right) meets Dr Anwar Mohammed Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of UAE, in New Delhi
Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj (right) meets Dr Anwar Mohammed Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of UAE, in New Delhi. Photo courtesy: MEA

During his official visit to India, Dr Gargash held delegation-level talks with Indian Minister of State for External Affairs MJ Akbar on August 9. Dr Gargash separately met with the National Security Adviser Ajit Doval. He also met with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Foreign Secretary Dr S Jaishankar.

The Minister also expressed his appreciation for the contribution of the Indian community in UAE in the development of their host country.

Dr Gargash was accompanied by Mohammed Sharaf, Assistant Minister of Economy and other senior officials in the Government of the UAE. The two sides discussed matters of mutual interest pertaining to bilateral, regional and international affairs. The talks were held in constructive and friendly spirit.

al Affairs meets his UAE counterpart Dr Anwar Mohammed Gargash in New Delhi.
MJ Akbar, Indian Minister of State for External Affairs meets his UAE counterpart Dr Anwar Mohammed Gargash in New Delhi. Photo courtesy: MEA

Minister of State MJ Akbar expressed his satisfaction over the follow up of important decisions taken during the recent high-level bilateral visits which are contributing to building a mutually beneficial comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries. He thanked UAE for contributing significantly to India's energy security, being a key supplier of crude oil to us.

The two sides reviewed the progress made in achieving the target set for UAE investments in India. Akbar expressed satisfaction over the signing of the MOU on the framework for facilitating the participation of UAE Institutional Investors in National Infrastructure Investment Fund, with Abu Dhabi Investment Authority agreeing to contribute towards the NIIF Master Fund. Dr Gargash conveyed appreciation for the contribution of the Indian community in UAE in the development of their host country which has been an important anchor of our excellent bilateral engagement.

On regional issues, Dr Gargash briefed his Indian interlocutors about the situation in the Gulf region. He was briefed about India’s position that peace and security in the Gulf are of paramount importance for the continued progress and prosperity of the region. Terrorism, violent extremism and religious intolerance pose a grave threat not only to the regional stability but also to the global peace and order. India is of the view that parties should resolve their differences through a process of constructive dialogue and peaceful negotiations.