This topic was a major focus during the meeting of the India-UAE Joint Committee on Consular Affairs (JCCA) held in Abu Dhabi.
Both parties also advanced discussions on improving information sharing, consular access, and expediting cooperation on extradition cases as well as mutual legal assistance, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
The meeting yielded progress in four major areas, including the liberalization of visa policies, it noted.
Additional focus areas included: information sharing and consular access, mutual legal assistance, and extradition cooperation.
“The discussions were marked by the traditional warmth and collaboration inherent in the historic and Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and the UAE,” the MEA stated in a release.
It highlighted India’s gratitude towards the UAE leadership and authorities for their support towards the large Indian community in the UAE, which acts as a “crucial link” in fortifying bilateral ties.
“Both parties reiterated their commitment to ensuring the safety, dignity, and well-being of their citizens residing in each other’s countries,” it added.
Following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the UAE in August 2015, the relationship between the two countries has been elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
There has been a notable increase in bilateral trade and people-to-people connections since New Delhi and Abu Dhabi signed an extensive economic partnership agreement in 2022.
