'Special visit': Sheikh Hamdan and Indian PM Narendra Modi hail strong ties at New Delhi talks
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, held high-level talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Tuesday as part of an official visit. Sheikh Hamdan hailed the robust ties between the UAE and India and said the nations shared a vision for the future focused on 'opportunity and innovation'. It is his first official visit to India and his most high-profile overseas engagement since being appointed Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence in July. 'It was a pleasure meeting the Prime Minister Narendra Modi today in New Delhi,' Sheikh Hamdan wrote on X. 'Our conversations reaffirmed the strength of UAE–India ties which is built on trust, shaped by history and driven by a shared vision to create a future full of opportunity, innovation and lasting prosperity.' During the discussions, Sheikh Hamdan spoke of the UAE's pride in its relationship with India and expressed confidence that the countries would forge even closer links in key areas such as trade, tourism, food security, artificial intelligence and space. He acknowledged the valuable contribution made by the UAE's large Indian community and highlighted efforts to make the Emirates a leading destination for business and investment. Mr Modi said Sheikh Hamdan's visit would support joint efforts to advance bilateral co-operation. 'Dubai has played a key role in advancing the India-UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership,' Mr Modi posted on X. 'This special visit reaffirms our deep-rooted friendship and paves the way for even stronger collaboration in the future.' Sheikh Hamdan and Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, India's Minister of External Affairs, later explored ways to bolster the strategic partnership at a meeting at Hyderabad House in New Delhi. The Minister of Defence also met Rajnath Singh, who serves as Defence Minister of India, on the opening day of the trip. The two men reviewed opportunities to enhance defence and military partnerships in discussions held at the headquarters of the Ministry of Defence. Mr Singh said India and the Emirates would continue to work in tandem in support of a wider push for peace. "In the coming years, we are eager to work closely in areas such as defence cooperation, co-production and co-development projects, innovation and technology," Mr Singh wrote on social media following the talks. "Both India and the UAE are committed to work towards peace and prosperity in the region." Sheikh Hamdan and his delegation had been welcomed by a ceremonial guard of honour at Indira Gandhi International Airport by Suresh Gopi, India's Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas and Tourism. 'The visit underscores the UAE leadership's commitment to building strategic alliances with key international partners to foster growth, drive innovation, and promote collaboration across vital sectors,' state news agency Wam said on Tuesday. The UAE and India enjoy a friendship dating back to the formation of the Emirates, a bond that has grown significantly over the years. More than four million Indians live in the Emirates – the largest contingent of foreign residents – while a host of business leaders from India have set up companies in the UAE. The countries have sought to strengthen links in fields including the economy, education and culture. The value of non-oil trade between India and the UAE reached $54.2 billion in 2023, according to figures shared by Dubai Media Office. In Dubai alone, non-oil trade with India surged from $36.7 billion in 2019 to $45.4 billion in 2023. More than 16,000 Indian companies joined the Dubai Chamber of Commerce last year, taking the total number beyond 70,000. It is the latest official trip by the UAE's leadership to India to explore bolstering bilateral ties. President Sheikh Mohamed visited in January last year to attend a three-day global business summit. He also held high-level talks with Mr Modi. Last September, Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, also held talks with Mr Modi on an official visit. Sheikh Hamdan's delegation includes Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed, president of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, chairman of Dubai Airports, and chairman and chief executive of Emirates airline, Mohammed Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, Reem Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Co-operation, Abdulla bin Touq, Minister of Economy, and Dr Thani Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade. The delegation also includes senior officials and leaders representing economic sectors.
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