President Sheikh Mohamed held high-level talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Monday under a working visit, as the two countries struck deals aimed at bolstering ties in defence, space and energy.
The two leaders reviewed efforts to deepen bilateral co-operation in a number of key sectors – from technology and artificial intelligence to the economy and food security – during discussions held at the Prime Minister's residence in the Indian capital.
The UAE leader was earlier welcomed at Palam Air Base by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with a number of senior officials.
Sheikh Mohamed and Mr Modi witnessed the exchange of a number of agreements and letters of intent, aimed at strengthening and advancing co-operation.
A ten-year sales and purchase agreement - valued at between $2.5 billion to $3 billion - was made between Adnoc Gas and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) as part of the visit.
The signed contract was exchanged by Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Managing Director and Group CEO of Adnoc, and Vikas Kaushal, Chairman and Managing Director of Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited
Agreements sealed
- A letter of intent on a strategic defence partnership was exchanged by Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Minister of External Affairs of India
- A letter of intent was exchanged by Reem Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Co-operation, and Vikram Misri, Foreign Secretary of India, between the UAE Space Agency and the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre to launch a joint programme to enable space industry development and commercial collaboration
- Agreement on food safety and technical requirements between the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, and the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority, Ministry of Commerce and Industry of India. It was exchanged by Ms Al Hashimy and Mr Misri
- Letter of intent on investment co-operation between the Ministry of Investment and the Government of Gujarat in the Republic of India regarding the development of Dholera Special Investment Region. The document was exchanged by Saeed Al Hajeri, Minister of State, and Mr Misri.
Sheikh Mohamed pledged that the two countries would continue to work in tandem to advance "sustainable development and economic growth", in a message shared on social media following his meeting with Mr Modi.
"Today I was pleased to meet with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi to discuss opportunities to further strengthen the deep-rooted and historical ties of cooperation between our countries," Sheikh Mohamed wrote on X.
"Committed to fostering sustainable development and economic growth, the UAE and India will continue working together to drive progress in future-focused sectors while achieving mutual benefit for our nations and peoples."
Mr Modi said Sheikh Mohamed's visit demonstrated the strength of UAE-Indian relations, in a message also posted on X.
"Went to the airport to welcome my brother, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE," Mr Modi said.
"His visit illustrates the importance he attaches to a strong India-UAE friendship. Looking forward to our discussions."
Sheikh Mohamed's delegation comprises Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs; Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence; Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Special Affairs; Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad, Adviser to the UAE President, and several other ministers and senior officials.
Sheikh Mohamed departed India on Monday after concluding his working visit.
Building on firm foundations
India and the UAE enjoy a deep-rooted friendship dating back to the formation of the Emirates. The UAE is home to more than 3.5 million Indians, the largest expatriate community in the country.
The two countries signed eight initial pacts across sectors from logistics to health care in April, aimed at boosting economic ties.
Those agreements also covered sectors such as infrastructure, higher education, maritime services, logistics and private sector engagement.
They were signed during the official visit to India by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed.
Mr Modi made a two-day visit to the UAE in 2024, where he addressed a crowd of 40,000 Indian citizens at Zayed Sports City Stadium.
He also spoke at the World Governments Summit in Dubai, before opening the first Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi.
