New Delhi [भारत]July 22 (ANI): India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) agreed to expand cooperation on key consular issues including mobility, extradition and mutual legal assistance during the 7th Joint Committee on Consular Matters meeting held in New Delhi on Wednesday.

Co-chaired by Shripriya Ranganathan, Secretary (CPV&OIA) and Omar Obaid Mohammed Al Hassan Al Shamsi, Under-Secretary of the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the talks focused on strengthening bilateral relations under the India-UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. During the discussions, New Delhi acknowledged and appreciated the initiatives implemented by the Emirati authorities to safeguard the interests and welfare of the large Indian diaspora living in the Gulf country.

Highlighting the outcomes of the meeting, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal posted on Twitter, "The 7th India-UAE Joint Committee on Consular Affairs meeting was co-chaired by Smt. Sripriya Ranganathan, Secretary (CPV&OIA) and Omar Obaid Mohammed Al Hassan Al Shamsi, Under Secretary, UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, today in New Delhi. The two sides discussed the dynamics in line with the India-UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, "The Indian side agreed to continue to deepen bilateral cooperation in all consular matters, including extradition and mutual legal assistance." The 7th India UAE Joint Committee on Consular Affairs meeting was co-chaired by Secretary (CPV&OIA) Mrs. Sripriya Ranganathan and Under Secretary @mofauae Omar Obaid Mohammed Alhassan Al Shamsi, held today in New Delhi. Both sides bilateral... pic.twitter.com/riAM9jxnho — Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) July 22, 2026

High level talks between PM Modi and UAE President

The consular talks follow a high-level dialogue between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Evian, France on June 16. Reflecting on their conversation, Prime Minister Modi posted on Instagram, "Had a very good meeting with my brother, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. We discussed India-UAE relations in various sectors and ways to further energize our comprehensive strategic partnership. Once again expressed my thanks to him and the UAE Government for their care and concern for the Indian community living in the UAE."

The meeting in Evian was the third personal meeting between the two leaders in 2026. Earlier, Prime Minister Modi had visited UAE in May and Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed had visited India in January.

According to an official statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs, the two leaders assessed the progress made in key areas of bilateral engagement, including technology, trade, investment, energy and defence, and also exchanged views on important regional and global dynamics.

"Prime Minister Modi underlined the importance of dialogue, diplomacy and respect for international law, sovereignty and territorial integrity in pursuing lasting peace, security and stability in the Middle East region. Both sides called for continued free, safe and unimpeded navigation, trade and commerce through the Strait of Hormuz," the Ministry of External Affairs said.

Prime Minister Modi has also extended an official invitation to President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to attend the upcoming BRICS summit to be hosted by India later this year. (ANI)