Delhi’s diplomatic calendar lit up January 19 when PM Narendra Modi welcomed UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan with open arms at the airport. Calling him ‘my brother,’ Modi emphasized the unshakeable India-UAE alliance amid swirling global headwinds.
The President’s third presidential trip—fifth in a decade—spans just 1.5 hours at Modi’s invite. Context is king: US-China-Russia clashes, Iranian unrest, UAE-Saudi strains make this opportune.
Modi’s X update captured the spirit: ‘Went to welcome my brother, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. This visit highlights the priority our friendship holds. Looking forward to discussions.’ Per MEA, itinerary ends with 6:05 PM departure post-bilaterals.
Focus areas: trade exploding 19.6% to $100.06 billion (FY24-25), investments, defense, energy, global concerns. UAE’s elite partner status reflects deepened integration. Modi’s 2019 Zayed award underscores prestige.
This encounter transcends brevity. It reaffirms strategic convergence, potentially unlocking deals in renewables, security, and commerce. With world order tested, India-UAE synergy emerges as a beacon, poised to influence broader landscapes.