France, India, and UAE Trilateral Engage in Growing Minilateral Partnerships

In recent years, India has increasingly pursued minilateral partnerships with select countries, and its engagement with France and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been growing. The three countries recently held their fourth trilateral dialogue, in which they discussed cooperation on a range of issues, including security, trade, and energy.

The trilateral dialogue was held virtually due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, with officials from the three countries participating. The Indian delegation was led by Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla, while French Secretary-General for Foreign Affairs Nicolas de Rivière and UAE Assistant Minister for Political Affairs Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh represented their respective countries.

In a joint statement issued after the dialogue, the three countries affirmed their commitment to deepening their partnership and exploring new areas of cooperation. They also discussed regional and global issues, including the situation in Afghanistan, the ongoing conflicts in Syria and Yemen, and the need for greater cooperation to combat terrorism.

The trilateral dialogue is part of India's broader efforts to build stronger relationships with select countries through minilateral partnerships. These partnerships, which typically involve three to five countries, allow for greater flexibility and faster decision-making than traditional multilateral forums.

France and the UAE are key partners for India in this regard. The three countries have common interests and shared values, and they have been working together on a range of issues, including defense and security, trade and investment, and renewable energy.

The growing minilateral partnerships between France, India, and the UAE are expected to have significant implications for the region and beyond. They could help promote stability, security, and economic growth in the region, and they could also help advance shared values and interests on the global stage.

The trilateral dialogue comes at a time when India is also engaged in other minilateral partnerships with countries like Australia, Japan, and the United States. These partnerships are expected to play an increasingly important role in India's foreign policy as the country seeks to become a more influential player on the global stage.