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India's foreign policy comes in for praise
By Anwar Ahmad (Our staff reporter)

15 May 2008
ABU DHABI - The ambassadors and businessmen who listened to the speech of Indian Minister of Foreign Affairs Pranab Mukherjee here on Monday hailed the broad-minded foreign policy of India regarding the Middle East as well as the world. Over 100 high-profile people attended the event at the Emirates Centre for Strategic Studies and Research in Abu Dhabi.

 

 

The ambassadors appreciated the clear agenda of the Indian government pertaining to Palestine, Iran, Iraq and Pakistan, and the businessmen expressed hope for business growth and investment from both sides.

The minister said, "The Indian companies could participate in exploration and development projects in the Gulf, while Gulf companies could invest in India's downstream and petrochemical sectors. Both of us also recognise the need for trained personnel in the hydrocarbon sector."

"We can collaborate in the development of educational and training institutions, not only covering the technological aspects of the industry, but also in related areas such as health, safety and environment sensitivity," he added. Speaking to f+iKhaleej Timesf-i, Bangladeshi Ambassador to the UAE, Nazimullah Chowdhury, said, “It is good to hear the patent manifestation of India's policies on the Middle East and other parts of the world."

The Nepalese Ambassador to the UAE, Arjun Bahadur Thapa, said, “I liked the speech of the minister as it discussed the turbulent affairs of several countries in the Middle East region with a view to chalking out solution and strengthening ties by engaging in dialogue. It was a positive approach of India to develop relations with other nations."

Businessman B.R. Shetty, Chairman of NMC Group, said, "All questions which a person can raise, were already read out in the speech which discussed issues of Palestine, Iran, Iraq and Pakistan in a cordial manner.

“Being a businessman I am proud of this visit as it will give a boost to the relations. As economies of India and the UAE are booming, so both can match each other's demand. 

Now, businessmen here are thinking about the East instead of  West.  Many companies from the UAE are engaged in India in real estate business as its market in India is booming, said Shetty. `

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