India and UAE

Why in news?

• India and the United Arab send a strong message to Pakistan, that they “condemned efforts by States, to use religion to justify, sustain and sponsor terrorism against other countries”.
• It also deplored efforts by countries to give religious and sectarian colour to political issues and pointed out the responsibility of all States to control the activities of the so-called ‘non-state actors’.

Why UAE‘s condemnation is important?

• It holds significance since the UAE as part of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), supported Islamabad-backed resolutions on Kashmir.

When they issued the statement?

• The joint statement, issued  after the visiting Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan met Prime Minister Narendra Modi for Republic day celebration.

What UAE’s past relation with Pakistan?

• The UAE, which has been one of Pakistan’s closest allies, and  also one of the few countries to have recognised Taliban rule in Afghanistan in the mid-1990s.

What is India and UAE’s stand on counter terrorism?

• The two countries leader articulated their clear and unequivocal resolve to cooperate on counter-terrorism by adopting a policy of “zero tolerance” towards the menace of terrorism.
• Satisfied at the growing bilateral collaboration on counter-terrorism, information sharing and capacity-building, they expressed confidence that these efforts would contribute to regional and global peace and security.
• The UAE and India agreed to coordinate efforts to “counter radicalisation against misuse of religion by groups and countries for inciting hatred and perpetrating acts of terrorism”.
• They emphasised the need to facilitate regular exchanges of religious scholars and intellectuals to organise conferences and seminars to promote the values of peace, tolerance, inclusiveness and welfare that are inherent in all religions.
• They also emphasised the importance of promoting a culture of inclusiveness, openness and tolerance within and among societies and agreed to work together closely to confront the global ills of extremism, terrorism and religious intolerance.

What is UAE’s view on Comphrehensive Convention on International Terrorism?

• Lending support to New Delhi’s position on the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism in the United Nations, they also called for early conclusion of negotiations.
• Both sides noted the importance of efforts to disrupt terrorist networks, their financing and movement, in accordance with the relevant principles and purposes of the UN Charter and international laws.
• The two sides deplored the use of double standards in addressing the menace of international terrorism and agreed to strengthen cooperation in combating terrorism both at the bilateral level and within the multilateral system.

On what referene the UAE condemned Pakistan on act of terrorism?

• They condemned the terrorist attacks in Kabul and Kandahar  in which five UAE diplomats were killed, and underscored the need to bring the perpetrators of these dastardly and cowardly acts to justice — again a reference to Pakistan’s ISI.

What is India UAE stratetgic paternership?

• India appreciated the support extended by UAE security agencies on specific issues of security concern to India — a reference to the ISIS threat.
• The two leaders reiterated that the ongoing close cooperation on a range of security issues, particularly on counter-terrorism, maritime security and cyber-security remained a key pillar of the bilateral strategic partnership.
• The  two sides agreed to further enhance cooperation in the fields of law enforcement, anti-money laundering, smuggling of fake currency, drug trafficking, human trafficking, illegal migration and other transnational organized crimes.

What is India and UAE’s defence pact?

• The defence cooperation pact between India and UAE  agreed to provide further impetus to these relations, including through joint exercises, training of naval, air and land forces, as also in the area of coastal defence and through participation in defence exhibitions etc.
• The UAE side acknowledged the opportunities offered under the ‘Make in India’ initiative for joint production of defence equipment in India and also for the procurement of defence material.
• In this regard, the two sides described the signing of an MoU on Cooperation in the field of Defence Industry during this visit as an important step forward.
• The two sides expressed common resolve to bolster cooperation and exchanges on countering piracy in their shared maritime domain in the Gulf and the Indian Ocean regions and to exchange experiences in maritime security, including joint anti-piracy training and exercises.
• On investments, they reviewed the progress in realising the $75-billion target for UAE investments in India’s plans for rapid expansion of next generation infrastructure development.
• Modi invited UAE participation in India’s National Infrastructure Investment Master Fund as an “anchor investor”.

Category: Mains | GS – III | Bilateral Relation

Source: Indian Express