External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar completed a significant three-day official visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from January 27 to 29, 2025, reinforcing the growing bilateral ties between the two nations. His visit, marked by high-level meetings and strategic dialogues, underscored the importance of the India-UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
During his visit, Dr. Jaishankar met with UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan on January 28. Their discussions focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation and exchanging views on key regional and global developments. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening economic, technological, and security collaborations.
On the same day, Dr. Jaishankar held discussions with His Highness Sheikh Khaled Bin Mohamed Bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi. The meeting built upon the momentum generated by Sheikh Khaled’s landmark visit to India in September 2024, with both sides exploring new opportunities for expanding trade, investment, and cultural exchanges.
On January 29, the External Affairs Minister met with His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defence. They praised the robust economic ties and deep-rooted people-to-people connections between India and Dubai. Dr. Jaishankar also conveyed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s invitation for the Crown Prince to visit India in the near future.
As part of his engagements, Dr. Jaishankar held a bilateral meeting on January 27 with UAE’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister His Highness Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Their discussions covered a wide array of sectors, including defence, technology, education, culture, and connectivity. The two leaders also exchanged perspectives on pressing regional and international issues.
A key highlight of the visit was Dr. Jaishankar’s role as Chief Guest at the inaugural Raisina Middle East Conference, organized by the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) in Abu Dhabi on January 28. Delivering the keynote address, he emphasized the pivotal role of the India-UAE partnership in shaping a stable and prosperous world. He also participated in a panel discussion with Sheikh Abdullah on ‘The World in 2025’, where they deliberated on global geopolitical trends and shared economic ambitions.
Dr. Jaishankar’s visit also coincided with India’s 76th Republic Day celebrations in Abu Dhabi on January 27, a momentous occasion attended by prominent UAE dignitaries. His Highness Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan graced the event as the Chief Guest, alongside Minister of Tolerance Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology Dr. Sultan Jaber, and Minister of State for Foreign Trade Dr. Thani Zeyoudi. Senior government officials, diplomats, and members of the Indian diaspora also participated in the celebrations, reflecting the strong cultural and social ties between the two nations.
This visit marked Dr. Jaishankar’s third official trip to the UAE since his re-appointment as External Affairs Minister in June 2024. Following Sheikh Abdullah’s visit to India in December 2024 for the bilateral Joint Commission Meeting and Strategic Dialogue, the latest engagement reaffirms the commitment of both nations to sustained high-level interactions and deeper cooperation across diverse sectors.
Dr. Jaishankar’s UAE visit has further bolstered the India-UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, paving the way for enhanced diplomatic, economic, and cultural collaborations in the years ahead.