External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar concluded his official visit to the United Arab Emirates on 12 April 2026, reaffirming the growing depth of India-UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The visit was part of broader diplomatic engagements to strengthen India’s ties with strategic partners in West Asia.
During the visit, Dr. Jaishankar held high-level meetings with UAE leadership, including President H.E. Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The discussions focused on bilateral cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, and energy security. They also emphasized strengthening cultural ties through the Indian diaspora in the country. Dr. Jaishankar interacted with members of the Indian community in the UAE, emphasizing the welfare of the diaspora as a way to deepen cultural engagement. He also appreciated the community’s contribution to local society in recent times and the support of the UAE government in ensuring the welfare of the Indian community.
Both sides also discussed recent developments in the region. The visit was aimed at securing energy supplies from the Gulf region for India. The UAE is India’s third-largest trade partner. Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri also held parallel engagements with leadership in Qatar. A key dimension of the dialogue was the evolution of the regional environment in West Asia. Both sides exchanged perspectives on maintaining security and cooperation in the region.
The engagements reflect the significance of regular high-level exchanges in deepening the bilateral relations. Both countries emphasised the shared vision of a multipolar world and a stable regional order ensured through dialogue, economic cooperation, and mutual respect.
Prior to this visit, the minister also visited Mauritius. This demonstrates India’s diplomatic outreach to regional strategic partners, aligning with economic interests. These interactions reaffirmed the strategic partnership between India and the UAE as an important element of India’s Act West Policy. The policy’s significance and scope are continuously evolving, unlocking new avenues for cooperation. The visit aligned with India’s broader strategic priorities, including energy cooperation, digital infrastructure, and deeper economic integration with Gulf partners.
