Visit of UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed to India
The President of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, will visit New Delhi to strengthen bilateral ties and explore strategic partnership opportunities. This visit marks his third official trip to India since becoming President and his fifth visit over the past decade.
Bilateral Discussions and Regional Issues
- The visit will involve discussions on regional and global issues with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
- Focus will include the ongoing standoff between UAE and Saudi Arabia in Yemen, where both former allies support rival groups.
- Tensions in Yemen have escalated, highlighting the volatile situation as both UAE and Saudi Arabia vie for influence in West Asia and Africa.
Strengthening India-UAE Relations
- India and the UAE share strong political, cultural, and economic ties.
- They are significant trading and investment partners, facilitated by the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), Local Currency Settlement (LCS) system, and Bilateral Investment Treaty.
- India-UAE trade exceeded $100 billion in FY2024-25, making the UAE India's third-largest partner and second-largest export destination.
- Key Indian exports: jewelry, refined petroleum, electronics, and agricultural products.
- Key imports from the UAE: crude oil, gold, and diamonds, with efforts to increase non-oil trade.
Strategic and Energy Partnership
- The visit aims to expand the India-UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
- India and the UAE have a robust energy partnership with long-term supply arrangements.
Recent High-Level Exchanges
- The visit builds on momentum from recent high-level exchanges, including visits from UAE's Crown Prince and Deputy PM in 2024 and 2025.
Global Peace Initiatives
- The UAE has supported the launch of the second phase of the Gaza peace plan and the US-announced "Board of Peace" to consolidate stability and advance political processes.
