
New Delhi: In a warm and symbolic gesture, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday personally received UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan at the Delhi airport as the latter commenced his third official visit to India since taking office.
Highlighting their close personal rapport and the strength of bilateral relations, the two leaders also travelled together in the same vehicle from the airport. This marks Sheikh Mohamed’s fifth visit to India in the last ten years.
Sharing the moment on social media platform X, Prime Minister Modi said he went to the airport to welcome his “brother” and noted that the visit reflects the UAE President’s commitment to a strong and enduring India-UAE partnership. He added that he looked forward to meaningful discussions during the visit.
The UAE President’s trip comes amid sustained high-level engagements between the two countries, following recent visits by Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, in September 2024, and Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Deputy Prime Minister, Defence Minister, and Crown Prince of Dubai, in April 2025.
Ahead of the visit, the Ministry of External Affairs said that India and the UAE share close, warm, and multi-dimensional relations supported by robust political, cultural, and economic cooperation. The two nations are among each other’s leading trade and investment partners, strengthened by initiatives such as the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), the Local Currency Settlement mechanism, and the Bilateral Investment Treaty. The partnership is further reinforced by strong energy cooperation, including long-term supply arrangements.
The MEA noted that the visit would allow both leaders to explore new avenues under the India-UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and exchange views on regional and global developments of shared interest, where the two sides enjoy significant convergence.
With inputs from IANS