NEW DELHI — Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in the UAE capital on Thursday, engaging in wide-ranging talks that underscored the growing depth of the India-UAE strategic partnership. At the heart of their discussion was the conviction that a close and cooperative relationship between New Delhi and the United Arab Emirates is vital not just for the two nations, but for broader regional stability in the Middle East and Indian Ocean.
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, also known as MBZ, is one of the most powerful figures in the UAE and serves as the de facto ruler of Abu Dhabi and President of the UAE. The meeting between him and PM Modi reflects the high level of political engagement that now defines the bilateral relationship, which has expanded well beyond its traditional foundations in trade and energy.
Diplomatic sources indicated that the leaders discussed several areas of cooperation, including energy security, maritime safety, counter-terrorism collaboration, and growing economic ties. The UAE remains one of India's largest suppliers of crude oil and ranks among the top destinations for Indian exports and inbound foreign direct investment. A landmark comprehensive economic partnership agreement signed in 2022 has already unlocked new avenues in sectors ranging from information technology to renewable energy and pharmaceuticals.
Officials noted that both sides also exchanged views on developments in Afghanistan, the situation in Gaza, and broader West Asian security dynamics, where India and the UAE share a common interest in ensuring a stable and balanced regional order. The UAE, while maintaining its own robust defence and foreign policy posture, has historically sought to act as a bridge between major powers in the Gulf and South Asia.
The meeting comes at a period when India is recalibrating its Middle East strategy, seeking to balance longstanding relationships with traditional partners such as Iran and Saudi Arabia while deepening new partnerships with UAE-led initiatives like the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, which was unveiled at the G20 summit in New Delhi in 2023.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, who often accompanies senior leadership on diplomatic engagements, was present during the discussions alongside UAE officials from the Foreign Ministry and the Presidential Court. Both sides were reported to have expressed satisfaction with the pace of implementation of agreements already in place and committed to accelerating collaboration in emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence, green hydrogen, and critical minerals.
Analysts said the tone of the conversation highlighted New Delhi's recognition that Washington's pivot toward Indo-Pacific challenges has created space for closer coordination with Gulf states on security and economic issues that neither country can manage alone.
