Today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sheikh Mohamed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and the Ruler of Dubai came together to lay the foundation stone of Bharat Mart, situated within the Jebel Ali Free Trade Zone in Dubai. Bharat Mart, a hybrid marketplace for Indian businesses, will provide them access to global markets by leveraging the strategic location and strength in logistics of Jebel Ali port. This initiative, to be constructed by DP World, marks a significant milestone in the bilateral relations between India and the UAE.
During the virtual event, both leaders emphasized the potential of Bharat Mart to boost the bilateral trade between India and the UAE. Leveraging the strategic location and robust logistical infrastructure of Jebel Ali Port, Bharat Mart aims to provide a platform for micro, small, and medium enterprises from India to expand their reach to international markets in the Gulf, West Asia, Africa, and Eurasia.
Prime Minister Modi also held a bilateral meeting with Sheikh Mohamed bin Rashid Al Maktoum in Dubai. Their discussions encompassed various areas of bilateral cooperation, spanning trade, investment, technology, space, education, and cultural exchanges. Both leaders expressed satisfaction at the burgeoning economic ties between the two nations, underscoring the pivotal role played by the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement and the recently signed Bilateral Investment Treaty.
Acknowledging the significant contribution of the Indian diaspora to Dubai’s status as a global hub for trade, services, and tourism, Prime Minister Modi extended his gratitude to Sheikh Mohamed for his support to the Indian community in Dubai. Furthermore, he expressed appreciation for the grant of land for the establishment of an Indian Community Hospital, aimed at providing affordable healthcare services to Indian blue-collar workers in Dubai.
In a gesture of further strengthening ties, Prime Minister Modi extended an invitation to Sheikh Mohamed to visit India at his earliest convenience, highlighting the continued commitment to fostering mutual understanding and cooperation between the two nations.
Vinod Kumar (UAE)
