New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan at the Delhi airport, underscoring the importance India attaches to its ties with the Gulf nation.
Sheikh Al Nahyan’s visit to the national capital was brief, lasting less than two hours, but marked the fifth visit by the UAE President to India in the last decade and his third official visit.
The visit comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, including deteriorating Iran-US relations, frictions between Saudi Arabia and the UAE over Yemen, and ongoing instability in Gaza.
Bilateral Cooperation and Strategic Partnership
During the meeting, Modi and Al Nahyan reviewed the full scope of bilateral cooperation. They reaffirmed the strength of the India-UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which has steadily expanded over the past decade.
Both leaders highlighted respect for each other’s sovereignty and strategic autonomy, while acknowledging strong defence and security ties as a core pillar of their relationship.
The two sides welcomed recent exchanges between their military chiefs and the successful conduct of joint exercises. A Letter of Intent was signed to advance the Strategic Defence Partnership, further solidifying defence collaboration.
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.@MohamedBinZayed pic.twitter.com/Os3FRvVrBc
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 19, 2026
Economic and Trade Initiatives
The leaders endorsed the outcomes of the 13th High-Level Task Force on Investments, the 16th India-UAE Joint Commission Meeting, and the 5th Strategic Dialogue. They celebrated the rapid growth in bilateral trade since the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) in 2022, which reached US$100 billion in 2024-25, and set a target to double trade to US$200 billion by 2032.
Plans to connect Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) through initiatives such as Bharat Mart, Virtual Trade Corridor, and Bharat-Africa Setu were highlighted. Discussions also covered UAE participation in the Special Investment Region in Dholera, Gujarat, including infrastructure development for airports, ports, rail, energy, and urban townships.
Both leaders invited UAE sovereign wealth funds to join India’s upcoming National Investment and Infrastructure Fund, while welcoming Dubai Ports World and First Abu Dhabi Bank branches in GIFT City, Gujarat, to strengthen financial sector collaboration.
Energy, Food Security, and Nuclear Cooperation
Modi and Al Nahyan reaffirmed cooperation in energy, food security, and civil nuclear projects. A 10-year LNG supply agreement was signed between Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited and ADNOC Gas for deliveries starting in 2028. Both sides also noted opportunities under India’s SHANTI law and agreed to explore advanced nuclear technologies, including Small Modular Reactors and nuclear safety initiatives.
بحثت اليوم في نيودلهي مع دولة ناريندرا مودي آفاق تطوير العلاقات الثنائية، لا سيما في القطاعات الحيوية التي تدعم الأولويات التنموية المشتركة للإمارات والهند، وتعزز مسار الشراكة الإستراتيجية الراسخة والممتدة بين البلدين، بما يحقق الازدهار لشعبيهما. مد جسور التعاون من أجل الخير… pic.twitter.com/MvSAfrFvPw
— محمد بن زايد (@MohamedBinZayed) January 19, 2026
Science, Technology, and Space Collaboration
The leaders agreed to deepen collaboration in space, artificial intelligence, emerging technologies, and supercomputing. Initiatives include joint missions, commercialisation of space technologies, and development of data centres and ‘Digital Embassies’ under mutually recognised sovereignty arrangements. Al Nahyan expressed support for the AI Impact Summit to be hosted in India in February 2026.
Cultural and Educational Ties
The two countries will expand educational linkages, including offshore campuses of IIT Delhi and IIM Ahmedabad in the UAE. Youth exchanges, Innovation and Tinkering Labs, and integration of India’s Digilocker with UAE platforms will strengthen people-to-people and educational ties. Cultural cooperation includes UAE artefacts for India’s National Maritime Heritage Complex at Lothal and plans for a ‘House of India’ in Abu Dhabi.
Regional and Global Cooperation
Modi and Al Nahyan exchanged views on regional and global issues, including support for India’s BRICS Chairmanship in 2026 and the UN Water Conference co-hosted by the UAE. Both sides also noted progress in polar research and climate-related scientific collaboration.
As a mark of friendship, PM Modi presented Sheikh Al Nahyan with a hand-carved wooden swing from Gujarat, a Pashmina shawl in an ornate silver box, and Kashmiri saffron for the UAE President’s mother. The gifts symbolised India’s rich cultural heritage and the spirit of togetherness.
Sheikh Al Nahyan thanked PM Modi for the warm welcome and hospitality, reinforcing the close ties and mutual respect between the two nations.
