Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday personally received United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan at Delhi airport, underlining the importance India attached to the visit.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Al Nahyan spent around two hours in the national capital. PM Modi later welcomed him and his mother, Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Al Ketbi, at his Lok Kalyan Marg residence, where he held talks with the UAE leader.
Al Nahyan’s visit comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, including a sharp deterioration in Iran-US relations, strains between Saudi Arabia and the UAE over Yemen, and the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
The leaders reviewed the full scope of bilateral cooperation and reaffirmed the strength of the India-UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. They welcomed recent visits by the UAE crown princes, noting the continuity of relations across generations.
The two sides endorsed outcomes of the 13th High-Level Task Force on Investments, the 16th India-UAE Joint Commission Meeting, and the 5th Strategic Dialogue. They highlighted robust growth in trade and economic cooperation since the 2022 Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, with bilateral trade reaching US$100 billion in 2024-25 and a target of US$200 billion by 2032.
They agreed to enhance support for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) through initiatives such as the Bharat Mart, Virtual Trade Corridor, and Bharat-Africa Setu.
UAE interest in strategic infrastructure projects in Gujarat’s Special Investment Region, including an airport, port, MRO facility, and smart township, was welcomed. Financial sector ties were also strengthened, including UAE banks establishing branches in India’s GIFT City.
The leaders discussed cooperation in food security, space, artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, including plans for a supercomputing cluster and digital embassies. They also welcomed a 10-year LNG supply deal and opportunities in advanced nuclear technology under India’s SHANTI law.
Cultural, educational and people-to-people links were emphasised, including the establishment of a ‘House of India’ in Abu Dhabi, student and youth exchanges, and integration of India’s Digilocker with UAE platforms.
Defence, security and counter-terrorism cooperation were reaffirmed, along with support for regional peace and multilateral initiatives, including BRICS and the UN Water Conference.
Both sides also highlighted scientific collaboration, including polar research, and expressed commitment to joint climate action.
PM gifts ornate wooden swing, Pashmina shawl
Officials said the prime minister gifted the visiting UAE president an ornate wooden swing from his home state of Gujarat, along with a Pashmina shawl. The two leaders sat on the hand-carved wooden swing, featuring traditional designs and placed against a backdrop adorned with marigold flowers at the prime minister’s residence.
A carved wooden swing is a common feature in many Gujarati homes.
"In Gujarati culture, the swing symbolises togetherness, conversation and bonding across generations. The gift also resonates deeply with the UAE's declaration of 2026 as the Year of Family," the officials said.
PM Modi also gifted Al Nahyan a Pashmina shawl from Kashmir in an ornate silver box made in Telangana, highlighting India’s handloom and handicraft traditions. A Pashmina shawl in a silver box was also gifted to the UAE President’s mother.
"She was also gifted Kashmiri saffron in an ornate silver box. Grown in the Kashmir Valley, saffron is revered for its deep crimson strands and intense aroma," the officials said.
Prior to the talks, people familiar with the visit said trade and investment, defence industry cooperation and energy initiatives were expected to feature in talks with the Indian leadership. The situation in the Middle East was also likely to be discussed, they said.
This is Al Nahyan’s third official visit to India since assuming office, and his fifth visit to the country in the past decade. Notably, bilateral trade and people-to-people ties have grown significantly since India and the UAE signed a comprehensive economic partnership agreement in 2022.