The newly forged ties between Israel and the United Arab Emirates help improve the ties both countries have with India, the country’s Ambassador to the UAE Pavan Kapoor told the Global Investment Forum in Dubai, sponsored by The Jerusalem Post and the Khaleej Times, on Wednesday.
“We are privileged to have a strategic partnership not just with Israel but with the UAE,” Kapoor said.
India works closely with Israel on food, agriculture and water, Kapoor said, adding that the UAE could benefit from similar exchanges.
“There is much the UAE can learn from Israel both with food and healthcare, particularly medical devices,” he said.
So much is happening there, “we will be there, happy to support” joint initiatives, he said.
He noted that the Indo-Israeli Chamber of Commerce opened up an office in Dubai after the ties between the two counties were established last year. The two countries both have pavilions next to each at the UAE’s Global Expo.
Kapoor spoke mostly of the growing ties between his country and the UAE, including during the COVID-19 pandemic, which brought commercial flights between them to a halt.
Exports continued, including food, which was particularly important, he said. He noted that the UAE sent nurses and doctors to India, and his country sent medical supplies in return.
“Health is an important part of the exchange,” he said.