New Delhi: United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan arrived in the national capital on Monday for a short working visit. Prime Minister Narendra Modi received the visiting dignitary at the Delhi airport, extending a warm welcome that included a handshake and an embrace. The two leaders later travelled together, reflecting the close personal and diplomatic ties between India and the UAE. The Ministry of External Affairs said the UAE President’s visit to Delhi would last for around two hours.
Prime Minister Modi, in a message shared on social media, said he went to the airport to welcome “brother, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan,” noting that the visit highlights the priority the UAE places on its relationship with India. During the visit, the two leaders are holding discussions on key bilateral issues, including trade and investment, defence cooperation, and collaboration in the energy sector.
The visit comes at a crucial time, with West Asia witnessing heightened geopolitical tensions. Relations between Iran and the United States remain strained, while differences persist among regional players over the Yemen conflict, alongside ongoing instability in Gaza. This is Sheikh Mohamed’s third official visit to India since assuming office as UAE President. India–UAE ties have deepened significantly following the signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) in 2022.
Officials described the trip as a “working visit,” indicating focused and outcome-oriented engagements. Despite its brief duration, the discussions are expected to be meaningful, underscoring the strong mutual trust between the two countries. Sheikh Mohamed last travelled to India in 2019, and bilateral engagements have since intensified across multiple sectors.
Regional Security in Focus
The visit coincides with growing international concern over developments in West Asia. Iran continues to conduct ballistic missile tests capable of carrying nuclear warheads, drawing global attention. Recent attacks on Saudi Arabia’s Abqaiq oil processing facility disrupted global energy markets and further escalated regional tensions. While Yemeni rebels claimed responsibility, the United States has blamed Iran, a charge Tehran has denied.
India, which maintains strong ties with both Iran and Gulf nations, is navigating a careful diplomatic path. Analysts suggest that although official statements after the talks may be restrained, the leaders are expected to exchange views on regional security and explore ways to de-escalate tensions. Ensuring maritime security and the uninterrupted flow of oil through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz is also likely to be discussed.
Energy, Trade and Defence Cooperation
Energy security is set to figure prominently in the talks, with India being the UAE’s second-largest trading partner. The two leaders are expected to review the progress of the CEPA and examine new opportunities for cooperation in conventional and renewable energy, infrastructure, and technology sectors. Prime Minister Modi is also likely to seek continued UAE support to meet India’s growing energy requirements.
Defence and security cooperation is another important pillar of the relationship, with both countries steadily expanding collaboration in recent years. Regular high-level exchanges have strengthened ties, which were elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership last year. Strong people-to-people connections further underpin the relationship, with Indians forming the second-largest expatriate community in the UAE.