Abu Dhabi: India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah and a member of the UAE Supreme Council, to discuss bilateral relations and the regional situation in the Gulf.
Jaishankar, who arrived in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday for a three-day visit, is reviewing progress in the India-UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
“An honour to meet HH Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, the Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah and member of the UAE Supreme Council,” Jaishankar said in a post on X. He added that they discussed ways to strengthen India-UAE relations, deepen engagement with the region and exchange views on the situation in the Gulf.
On Wednesday, Jaishankar met UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan to exchange views on bilateral relations and global developments.
An honour to meet HH Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, the Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah & member of the UAE Supreme Council.
Grateful for his insights on further strengthening 🇮🇳🇦🇪 ties, and deepening engagements with the region. The situation in the Gulf also came up for discussion. https://t.co/N0hL5R3Pd2
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) October 16, 2026
India and the UAE have expanded cooperation across trade, investment, energy, defence and security. The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which came into force in May 2022, has provided a framework for strengthening bilateral trade and economic ties.
The UAE remains a key partner for India in the Gulf, serving as an important source of energy supplies and investment, as well as home to a large Indian expatriate community.
According to the Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi, Indian nationals form the largest expatriate community in the UAE, accounting for approximately 35% of the country’s population. The number of Indian nationals residing in the UAE was estimated at around 4.3 million in 2024.
