Industry, Logistics & Shipping

Abraham Accords 'to help UAE become Asia's logistics hub'

The Abraham Accords between Israel, the UAE and Bahrain will help grow the UAE’s position as a logistics hub for the rest of Asian economies, benefiting India as well, said a top Indian diplomat, adding that the newly emerging domains during and after Covid-19 will open up fresh opportunities for both countries..
 
In an exclusive interview with state news agency Wam, Dr S Jaishankar, External Affairs Minister of India, expressed confidence that the new US administration under president-elect Joe Biden will continue the existing excellent ties with India because of structural linkages between the two countries and personal rapport between leaders.
 
The Abraham Accords will impact the entire world, not the region only, stated the top diplomat, adding that it will bring new economic combinations and create new logistical opportunities for the countries in the region and beyond.
 
"At the same time, we have always been very supportive of the Palestinian cause. It is only those who have relations with Israel are in a position to go and tell them what we think that something you need to do. I think it will change many things," he said while explaining how India and UAE’s relations with Israel will help the Palestinian cause.
 
"India is committed to a two-state solution. We do believe that there should be direct negotiations between Israel and Palestine," he added.
 
During his two-day visit, Jaishankar met HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
 
Speaking on the UAE-India relations, Jaishankar said: "We have not realised the full potential in many areas of bilateral relations.
 
"As you get to know each other better and work more together, the potential keeps growing," stated the top diplomat, citing an example of energy sector.
 
"Ten or 15 years ago, we would have said, ‘You are the supplier, and we are the purchaser.’ Today, we have reimagined that energy relationship in a very different, more collaborative way," he added.