New Delhi: United Arab Emirates (UAE) President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan arrived in Delhi on Monday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed him at the airport, underscoring the importance India attaches to his visit.
According to his schedule released by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Al Nahyan will be in the national capital for less than two hours. His visit comes amidst a deteriorating situation in the Middle East due to the sharp decline in Iran-US relations, growing tensions between Saudi Arabia and the UAE over Yemen, and the volatile political situation in Gaza. Al Nahyan and Modi are expected to hold discussions on a range of issues. Sources familiar with the UAE president’s visit said that his discussions with the Indian leadership are expected to include trade and investment, cooperation in the defense industry, and energy initiatives. They added that the situation in the Middle East is also likely to be discussed. This is Sheikh Mohammed’s third visit to India since becoming president, and his fifth visit in the last decade. The visit is considered highly significant for India-UAE relations. Both countries have witnessed several high-level visits in recent years.
Following the signing of a comprehensive economic partnership agreement between New Delhi and Abu Dhabi in 2022, trade and people-to-people ties between the two countries have seen a significant increase. The two leaders are expected to chart a new course for shared interests on regional and global issues.
