In-depth talks were held between India and the United Arab Emirates regarding ways to improve consular cooperation and coordination on matters such as labour, visas, migration, citizenship, and extradition; also, early agreements pertaining to mobility and migration were discussed. This was reported by
Trinity Mirror, a partner of TV BRICS.

Muktesh Pardeshi, Ministry of External Affairs, led the Indian side. Khaled Belhoul, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the UAE, led the delegation from the UAE.

The UAE side provided a thorough briefing on the various measures the government has taken to guarantee the wellbeing of Indian employees working there. The parties restated their determination to keep working towards the development of consular procedures targeted at citizens.

Other topics of mutual interest that were considered by the two parties included early agreement on migration and mobility and the streamlining of the visa application process to encourage greater international travel.

Regular statistical data and best practices in consular matters were also exchanged as a result of the meeting.

Growing and deeper cooperation characterises the relationship between the United Arab Emirates and the Republic of India, particularly since the two countries’ bilateral ties were upgraded to a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2017.

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iStock