External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s recent visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from January 27 to 29 marked another step in the deepening ties between the two nations. The visit, his third since being re-appointed as External Affairs Minister in June 2024, focused on strengthening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and the UAE. With high-level meetings, participation in key diplomatic events, and discussions on trade, defense, and cultural cooperation, Jaishankar’s engagements underscored the growing significance of India-UAE relations.
During the visit, Jaishankar met UAE President Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed, where both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing bilateral cooperation. They discussed regional and global issues of mutual interest, emphasizing the importance of maintaining close strategic coordination. The UAE has been one of India’s most important partners in the Gulf region, with ties spanning trade, security, technology, and energy cooperation. This meeting set the stage for further collaboration in these areas.
On January 28, Jaishankar held discussions with the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Khaled Bin Mohamed Bin Zayed. They recalled the Crown Prince’s visit to India in September 2024, which was a landmark moment in bilateral relations. Their talks focused on exploring new avenues for economic and strategic collaboration, particularly in emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and infrastructure development. The UAE has been a key investor in India’s development projects, and both sides are eager to expand their economic ties.
Jaishankar also met with Dubai’s Crown Prince, Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, on January 29. The meeting highlighted India’s strong economic and cultural ties with Dubai, a global business hub that hosts a significant Indian diaspora. Both leaders commended the robust people-to-people connections between India and Dubai, which continue to drive trade and investment opportunities. The UAE is home to over 3.5 million Indians, making it a vital partner in India’s foreign policy.
A major highlight of the visit was Jaishankar’s participation as the chief guest at the first edition of the Raisina Middle East Conference, organized by the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) in Abu Dhabi. Delivering the keynote address at the inaugural session, he emphasized the importance of India-UAE engagement in an increasingly turbulent global environment. He highlighted how the partnership is evolving to address new geopolitical challenges and economic opportunities. At the conference, Jaishankar also participated in a discussion with UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed on the future of global affairs in 2025, reflecting the shared vision of both countries for international stability and prosperity.
The visit also provided an opportunity to review ongoing bilateral cooperation across various sectors. On January 27, Jaishankar held a detailed bilateral meeting with Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed, where they discussed key areas of collaboration, including trade, defense, security, education, culture, and connectivity. The UAE is one of India’s top trading partners, with bilateral trade exceeding $85 billion in 2023. Both nations have been working to enhance economic integration, including discussions on strengthening the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which aims to boost trade and investment flows.
Jaishankar’s presence at India’s 76th Republic Day celebrations in Abu Dhabi was another symbolic moment of the visit. In a special gesture, UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed attended the event as the chief guest, highlighting the depth of India-UAE ties. Other senior UAE officials, including Minister of Tolerance Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology Sultan Jaber, and Minister of State for Foreign Trade Thani Bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, also joined the celebrations. The participation of high-ranking UAE dignitaries underscored the mutual respect and commitment both countries have toward each other.
Jaishankar’s visit came shortly after Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed’s trip to India in December 2024 for the bilateral Joint Commission Meeting and Strategic Dialogue. The regular exchange of high-level visits reflects the shared commitment of both nations to maintaining strong diplomatic engagement. As the UAE continues to play an influential role in regional and global affairs, India sees it as a crucial partner in its economic and geopolitical strategy.
Overall, Jaishankar’s visit to the UAE reinforced the depth of the India-UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. By engaging in high-level meetings, participating in influential forums, and strengthening trade and cultural ties, both nations have reaffirmed their commitment to a future of enhanced cooperation. With growing economic linkages and increasing diplomatic collaboration, the India-UAE relationship is set to expand further, contributing to regional and global stability.
