New Delhi witnessed a landmark diplomatic event as UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan concluded a swift yet impactful official visit. Lasting just 90 minutes, the trip was hailed by India’s Foreign Ministry as a major milestone. Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally welcomed the UAE leader at the airport, underscoring the warmth and closeness between the two nations’ top figures.
The leaders engaged in focused discussions at the PM’s residence, first in a restricted format and then expanding to include delegations. Several crucial documents were exchanged in their presence, covering diverse sectors from trade to technology. The UAE delegation was notably high-powered, featuring royals from Abu Dhabi and Dubai alongside senior ministers and officials, signaling the visit’s strategic weight.
On the economic front, bilateral trade has surged past $100 billion since the 2022 Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. Ambitious leaders have now set their sights on doubling it to $200 billion by 2032. Plans are afoot to streamline exports for India’s MSMEs into West Asia, Africa, and Eurasia, unlocking new markets and opportunities.
Defense cooperation takes center stage with commitments to forge a strategic partnership, elevating ties to new heights. In space, IN-SPACe and the UAE Space Agency inked a pact for joint infrastructure development, including launch complexes, satellite factories, missions, and training hubs to commercialize space ventures.
A flagship investment deal targets Gujarat’s Dholera Special Investment Region, where UAE will partner in building an international airport, pilot training school, MRO center for aircraft, a greenfield port, and smart townships. Enhanced rail connectivity and energy infrastructure will further boost the region’s potential.
Nuclear energy collaboration spans advanced reactors, small modular units, operations, maintenance, and safety protocols. AI emerges as a priority domain, alongside UAE’s support for a supercomputing cluster and data center expansions in India. These pacts promise to reshape India-UAE relations, fostering mutual growth and innovation for decades ahead.