Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally welcomed Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the United Arab Emirates, upon his arrival in New Delhi on Monday, January 19, 2026. The Prime Minister's gesture of greeting the UAE President at the airport underscores the close relationship between the two leaders and the strategic importance India places on its partnership with the UAE.

Sheikh Mohamed's visit, while brief, lasting approximately two hours, is considered significant amidst heightened tensions in West Asia. Discussions between the two leaders are expected to address regional developments and explore ways to further strengthen the comprehensive strategic partnership between India and the UAE.

This visit marks Sheikh Mohamed's third official trip to India since assuming office as President of the UAE, and his fifth visit to the country in the past decade. It builds upon the momentum generated by recent high-level exchanges, including visits from Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in September 2024 and Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum in April 2025.

India and the UAE share warm and multifaceted relations, characterized by strong political, cultural, and economic ties. The two countries are key trading and investment partners, with their relationship strengthened by agreements like the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), the Local Currency Settlement (LCS) system, and the Bilateral Investment Treaty. Bilateral trade between the two nations has surpassed $100 billion in 2024-25. The UAE is India's third-largest trading partner, and India is the UAE's second-largest. Furthermore, over 4.3 million Indian expats constitute a significant portion of the UAE's population, forming a strong link between the two nations.

Energy cooperation is a crucial aspect of the India-UAE partnership. The UAE is a major source of crude oil, LNG, and LPG for India, contributing significantly to India's energy security. Both countries are also collaborating on green initiatives, with a Memorandum of Understanding signed in January 2023 to promote cooperation and investments in green hydrogen. The UAE joined India as a founding member of the Global Biofuels Alliance in New Delhi in September 2023.

Beyond bilateral ties, India and the UAE collaborate on various global platforms, including BRICS, I2U2 (with the US and Israel), and a trilateral forum involving the UAE, France, and India. The UAE was also invited to the G20 Summit held under India's presidency, further solidifying diplomatic coordination on global issues.