PM Modi Receives UAE President At Delhi Airport, Investment And Regional Issues On Agenda

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday received UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan at the Delhi airport during the latter's short but significant visit to India, highlighting the growing strategic depth of ties between New Delhi and Abu Dhabi.

The visit comes against the backdrop of heightened tensions in West Asia, with regional developments expected to figure prominently in the leaders' discussions. Several agreements are also likely to be signed during the high-level engagement.

Brief Visit Amid Regional Uncertainty

Officials indicated that the talks may cover the evolving situation in West Asia, including strained Iran US relations, the ongoing crisis in Gaza and the unresolved conflict in Yemen involving Saudi Arabia and the UAE. These developments are expected to form a key part of the conversation between the two leaders.

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan is in India only for a few hours and is scheduled to depart later on Monday. The meeting between the two leaders was finalised in December 2025 but had to be deferred earlier.

Focus on Investments and Strategic Cooperation

Prime Minister Modi will host the UAE President at his official residence at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg in the evening. During the meeting, both sides are expected to sign agreements related to investments in special economic zones, food security and nuclear cooperation.

The discussions are also expected to reinforce cooperation in areas that have gained momentum in recent years, reflecting the expanding scope of the bilateral partnership.

UAE President's Continued Engagement With India

This marks Sheikh Mohamed's third official visit to India since assuming office as President and his fifth visit to the country over the past decade. His continued engagement underlines the importance both nations attach to their relationship.

India and the UAE have witnessed a sharp rise in trade and people to people ties following the signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement in 2022, which has significantly boosted trade flows and investments.

MEA Highlights Growing Strategic Partnership

The Ministry of External Affairs said the visit builds on a series of recent high-level exchanges, including the visit of Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to India in September 2024 and the visit of UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum in April last year.

"It will also enable an exchange of views on regional and global issues of mutual interest, where India and the UAE share a high degree of convergence," the MEA said.

"India and the UAE share warm, close, and multi-faceted relations, underpinned by strong political, cultural, and economic ties," the ministry added, noting that both countries are among each other's top trading and investment partners, supported by CEPA, the local currency settlement system and the bilateral investment treaty.