Daijiworld Media Network - Dubai
Dubai, Jan 18: United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan will arrive in India on Monday for an official visit, further strengthening the growing strategic partnership between the two countries. This will be his third visit to India since assuming office as President and his fifth visit over the past decade.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the visit comes amid strong momentum in bilateral ties driven by frequent high-level engagements. Recent exchanges include the visit of Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in September 2024 and the visit of UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister, and Crown Prince of Dubai, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, in April 2025.
In its statement, the MEA said India and the UAE share “warm, close and multi-faceted relations” anchored in deep political trust, cultural connections and expanding economic cooperation. The two countries rank among each other’s top trading and investment partners, supported by mechanisms such as the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), the Local Currency Settlement system and the Bilateral Investment Treaty. Energy cooperation, including long-term supply arrangements, remains a central pillar of the relationship.
The MEA noted that Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed’s visit will allow both leaders to explore new avenues under the India–UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and exchange views on regional and global developments where their perspectives closely align.
Bilateral engagement has remained active in recent months. In December last year, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar co-chaired the 16th Joint Commission Meeting and the 5th Strategic Dialogue in Abu Dhabi with UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The discussions reviewed the full spectrum of bilateral cooperation and identified priority areas for future collaboration.
Following the meeting, Jaishankar said deeper India–UAE cooperation contributes not only to shared national interests but also to regional and global stability. He highlighted strong growth in trade, investment, fintech and digital connectivity following CEPA and the Bilateral Investment Treaty, along with emerging opportunities in logistics and connectivity through initiatives such as the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor.
The External Affairs Minister also underlined expanding cooperation in energy, including civil nuclear collaboration, as well as progress in education, cultural exchanges, defence and security ties.
In July last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed reaffirmed their commitment to deepening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during a phone conversation. The two leaders reviewed progress across sectors and stressed the need to further expand cooperation for the shared benefit of both nations.
During the call, the UAE President congratulated Prime Minister Modi on becoming India’s second longest-serving Prime Minister and wished him continued success. Prime Minister Modi thanked him for his warm sentiments and goodwill towards the people of India.
Both sides reiterated their shared vision of leveraging bilateral cooperation to promote sustainable development, prosperity and long-term partnership between India and the United Arab Emirates.