PM Modi hosts President Al Nahyan, reaffirms strong India–UAE friendship
UAE President’s three-hour visit focused on trade, investment, defence cooperation & energy initiatives
PM Modi with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on latter's arrival, in New Delhi. (Photo: PTI)
New Delhi, Jan 19: Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on his third official visit to India since assuming office, on Monday.
In a gesture underscoring the close personal rapport and the depth of bilateral ties, the two leaders travelled together in the same car from the airport. This marks Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s fifth visit to India over the past decade.
"Went to the airport to welcome my brother, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE. His visit illustrates the importance he attaches to a strong India-UAE friendship. Looking forward to our discussions," Modi posted on social media.
The visit builds on the momentum of recent high-level exchanges between the two countries, including the visit of Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, in September 2024, and that of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE and Crown Prince of Dubai, in April 2025.
Ahead of the visit, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) highlighted the breadth of the India–UAE relationship.
“The two countries are among each other’s top trading and investment partners, bolstered by the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), the Local Currency Settlement (LCS) system, and the Bilateral Investment Treaty. India and the UAE also enjoy a robust energy partnership, including long-term energy supply arrangements,” the MEA said.
The statement also noted the robust energy partnership between the two countries, including long-term energy supply arrangements.
According to the MEA, the visit will provide an opportunity for the two leaders to chart new frontiers in the India–UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
“It will also enable an exchange of views on regional and global issues of mutual interest, where India and the UAE share a high degree of convergence,” it added.
Later, Prime Minister Modi hosted the UAE President and his family at his residence at Lok Kalyan Marg, where he presented traditional gifts, including a royal carved wooden jhula (swing).
He also gifted Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan a Pashmina shawl, presented in an ornate silver box crafted in Telangana, symbolising India’s rich handloom and handicraft traditions.
The situation in the Middle East is also likely to figure in the talks, they said.
With inputs from agencies