PM Modi, UAE President Introduce RuPay Card In Abu Dhabi; Strengthen Ties

Modi in UAE: The PM congratulated President Al Nahyan on the launch of UAE’s domestic card, JAYWAN, which is built upon the digital RuPay credit and debit card framework

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and United Arab Emirates (UAE) President Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan jointly introduced the Unified Payments Services (UPI) RuPay card service in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday. A video circulating on social media captured the moment when President Al Nahyan made a payment by tapping a plastic card embossed with his name, marking the official launch of the service.

During the discussions, Modi congratulated President Al Nahyan on the launch of UAE’s domestic card, JAYWAN, which is built upon the digital RuPay credit and debit card framework. The leaders observed a transaction conducted using the JAYWAN card, underscoring the practical implementation of the collaboration.

During their meeting, Modi and Al Nahyan engaged in extensive discussions, reviewing the strategic partnership between their nations. They explored new avenues of cooperation and oversaw the signing of multiple agreements, including a bilateral investment treaty aimed at facilitating further investments in both countries.

In a warm gesture underscoring the close ties between India and the UAE, President Al Nahyan personally received Prime Minister Modi at the airport, where the two leaders exchanged a hug. Modi expressed his gratitude on social media, thanking President Al Nahyan for the reception.

"Immensely grateful to my brother, HH @MohamedBinZayed for taking the time to receive me at Abu Dhabi airport," Modi posted on X.

"Over the last nine years, our cooperation with the UAE in diverse sectors such as trade and investment, defence and security, food and energy security and education has grown manifold. Our cultural and people-to-people connection is stronger than ever," Modi said in his departure statement ahead of the visit.

Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) were also being exchanged between India and UAE in the presence of UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Reflecting on the evolving partnership, Modi highlighted the significant growth across various sectors such as trade, investment, defence, security, food, energy security, and education over the past nine years. He emphasised the strengthened cultural and people-to-people connections between the two nations.

Furthermore, the leaders deliberated on enhancing their partnership in the energy sector, acknowledging the UAE's role as a significant source of crude oil and LPG for India. They noted India's increasing involvement in long-term contracts for LNG, further solidifying energy cooperation between the two nations.