Jaishankar welcomes UAE’s Foreign Minister Al Nahyan in Mumbai

Title: Jaishankar welcomes UAE’s Foreign Minister Al Nahyan in Mumbai — The External Affairs Minister of India, S. Jaishankar, received the Honourable Prime Minister Mohammed Khaled Al Nahyan, the head of the United Arab Emirates and its Foreign Minister, at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in Mumbai on Tuesday. The dignitaries, who had been planning a high‑profile engagement since the start of the month, were greeted in a ceremony attended by senior diplomats, members of the Indian Navy and representatives of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations. The meeting underscored the deepening ties between the two Gulf‑state and South‑Asian partners..

— During the welcome ceremony, Chief Minister Narendra Modi, who was also present, offered a warm personal greeting to Mr Al Nahyan. The UAE leader expressed his delight at the opportunity to discuss a range of bilateral issues, from trade and investment to cultural exchange. The Minister also praised India for its growing role in the global economy, noting that the UAE remains a key partner in the Indian Ocean Region..

The conversation set a positive tone for the ensuing talks. — The first substantive agenda item was economic cooperation. Both ministers reaffirmed their commitment to expanding trade volumes, with India seeking to secure greater access to the UAE’s growing consumer market..

Mr Al Nahyan highlighted the UAE’s interest in Indian renewable‑energy projects, especially those focusing on solar and wind. Minister Jaishankar emphasized the potential for joint ventures in artificial intelligence, defence technology and maritime logistics, pointing to the already robust network of Indian businesses in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. — In a parallel discussion, the ministers addressed the issue of maritime security..

The UAE, situated strategically at the crossroads of the Gulf and the Indian Ocean, has been increasing its naval presence in the region. Minister Jaishankar noted the importance of coordinated efforts to counter piracy, smuggling and maritime terrorism. Both officials expressed willingness to deepen intelligence sharing and to conduct joint naval exercises, which could serve as a deterrent to regional instability and safeguard shipping lanes..

— The cultural dimension of the bilateral relationship was also highlighted. Mr Al Nahyan underscored the significance of the growing Indian diaspora in the UAE, which numbers over three million people. He announced a new initiative to promote Indian arts, cinema and cuisine in the Gulf, aimed at fostering cross‑cultural understanding..

Minister Jaishankar, in turn, pledged to support the expansion of Indian language and cultural centers in the UAE, ensuring a two‑way exchange that celebrates both nations’ heritage. — The ministers then discussed the humanitarian and development agenda. The UAE has been a major donor of humanitarian aid to India, particularly following the floods that devastated the northeast in 2023..

Minister Al Nahyan announced a new pledge of $50 million for disaster relief and infrastructure rehabilitation in affected regions. Minister Jaishankar expressed gratitude and highlighted the role of Indian expertise in water management and sustainable agriculture, proposing collaborative research programmes to mitigate climate‑related risks. — Another key topic was the strategic partnership in the realm of space and technology..

The UAE’s Space Agency has announced plans to launch its own satellite constellation in the coming years. Minister Al Nahyan emphasized the possibility of Indian‑UAE joint missions, especially in Earth observation and navigation. Minister Jaishankar welcomed the proposal, noting India’s track record with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and its experience in commercial satellite launches, which could offer cost‑effective solutions for the UAE..

— The ministers also examined the status of the Indian diaspora’s labour migration. Minister Al Nahyan confirmed the UAE’s commitment to protecting the rights of Indian workers, stressing that a new labour law would ensure fair wages and better living conditions. Minister Jaishankar welcomed the initiative, stressing the need for a robust legal framework that safeguards workers’ dignity while preserving the flow of labour that is vital to both economies..

— In an unexpected turn, the discussion touched on defence cooperation. The UAE’s Defence Ministry has shown a growing interest in Indian defence equipment, particularly in the field of naval and aerial technology. Minister Jaishankar reiterated India’s openness to export defence equipment that meets the stringent safety and compliance standards required by Gulf states..

The two ministers agreed to set up a joint task force to explore procurement options for the UAE’s air defence and naval platforms. — The meeting concluded with a joint statement outlining the shared goals for the next decade. It called for a “dynamic, forward‑looking partnership” that would strengthen economic, cultural, security, and humanitarian links..

The statement also stressed the importance of aligning policies on climate change, sustainable development and the digital economy, with a shared vision for a prosperous, inclusive future. — The event drew media coverage from both sides, with Indian and Gulf press offering positive commentary on the depth of the partnership. Analysts note that this meeting may pave the way for a comprehensive strategic dialogue, potentially formalised through a bilateral strategic partnership agreement..

The UAE’s strong investment appetite, coupled with India’s growing market potential, signals a promising trajectory for future cooperation. — In the aftermath of the talks, Minister Jaishankar said he was optimistic about the prospects of a “true partnership” that would bring tangible benefits to citizens on both sides. He emphasised that the meeting represented a milestone in a long‑standing relationship that had survived geopolitical shifts and economic fluctuations..

Minister Al Nahyan echoed.