Abudhabi,TNM: UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held high-level talks in Abu Dhabi on Friday, focusing on the regional impact of the ongoing Iran conflict, energy security, and strengthening bilateral co-operation between the UAE and India.
During the meeting, the two leaders discussed the serious consequences of the Iran war on global energy supplies and the wider economy. Prime Minister Modi also condemned Iran’s attacks on the UAE during the discussions, which took place as part of his working visit to the Emirates before continuing his diplomatic tour across Europe.
The leaders explored ways to expand collaboration across several strategic sectors, including economy, investment, energy, space, food security, technology, and artificial intelligence.
The meeting was attended by senior UAE officials including Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan. Prime Minister Modi was accompanied by a delegation of Indian ministers and senior officials.
At the conclusion of the visit, President Sheikh Mohamed personally bid farewell to Prime Minister Modi. A formation of UAE military aircraft escorted the Indian leader’s plane as it departed UAE airspace, marking the significance of the visit.'
Warm Welcome in Abu Dhabi
Earlier in the day, Sheikh Mohamed officially welcomed Prime Minister Modi to Abu Dhabi with a ceremonial reception that included a guard of honour and the national anthems of both countries. UAE military aircraft also escorted Mr Modi’s plane upon its arrival into the country’s airspace.
India had earlier stated that the visit would focus on enhancing trade, investment, and energy co-operation between the two nations. Discussions also took place against the backdrop of regional tensions and concerns surrounding the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global oil shipping route.
Strengthening UAE–India Ties
The visit further highlighted the long-standing strategic partnership between the UAE and India, a relationship that has strengthened significantly over the past decade. The UAE is home to nearly four million Indian residents, making it the largest expatriate community in the country.
The two nations signed the landmark Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement in 2022, the UAE’s first such bilateral trade agreement.
Prime Minister Modi’s stop in the UAE forms part of a five-nation international tour that will also include visits to Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, and Italy.
Focus on Energy and Regional Stability
Ahead of the talks, Reem Al Hashimy described UAE–India relations as continuing to grow “from strength to strength” and referred to Prime Minister Modi as a “key figure of friendship”.
She noted that discussions would address the global consequences of disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, saying energy supplies around the world had been severely affected due to regional instability.
Growing Diplomatic Friendship
Prime Minister Modi previously visited the UAE in 2024, where he addressed thousands of Indian expatriates at Zayed Sports City Stadium, attended the World Governments Summit in Dubai, and inaugurated Abu Dhabi’s first Hindu temple.
In January this year, President Sheikh Mohamed also travelled to New Delhi for a working visit, where both leaders reviewed progress in bilateral co-operation across sectors such as artificial intelligence, food security, technology, and trade.
