India, UAE move closer on easing visa policies, extradition and legal assistance

India and the United Arab Emirates on Wednesday made progress on easing visa rules for travel between the two countries. The matter was a central focus during the meeting of the India–UAE Joint Committee on Consular Affairs (JCCA) held in Abu Dhabi.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), both sides also advanced discussions on improving information exchange and consular access, as well as accelerating cooperation on extradition matters and mutual legal assistance.

The talks led to movement in four key areas: liberalising visa policies, strengthening information flow and consular access, and enhancing collaboration on mutual legal assistance and extradition cases.

”The meeting took place in an atmosphere of traditional warmth and cooperation that characterises the historic and Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and the UAE,” the MEA said in a statement.

It said India appreciated the support extended by the UAE leadership and authorities for the welfare of the large Indian community residing in the UAE, which serves as a ”vital bridge” in strengthening bilateral relations.

”Both sides reaffirmed their commitment in ensuring the safety, dignity and well-being of their citizens living in each other’s countries,” it said.

Following the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the UAE in August 2015, bilateral relations between the two countries were elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

There has been a significant upswing in bilateral trade and people-to-people ties after New Delhi and Abu Dhabi signed an ambitious comprehensive economic partnership agreement in 2022.

With inputs from agencies