UPDATE

Indian PM Modi arrives in UAE as five-nation visit begins

Six-day diplomatic tour begins with UAE visit, focus on energy and technology ties

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India, UAE eye deeper trade and tech cooperation as Modi starts Gulf leg
India, UAE eye deeper trade and tech cooperation as Modi starts Gulf leg
Narendra Modi/X

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived in the United Arab Emirates, marking the first stop of his multi-nation diplomatic tour.

UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan welcomed the Indian Prime Minister upon his arrival.

An official reception ceremony was held for Prime Minister Modi, featuring performances of the national anthems of both countries and a guard of honour.

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Military escort greets Modi’s aircraft over UAE skies

As the aircraft carrying Prime Minister Modi entered UAE airspace, it was met by a formation of military aircraft. The squadron leader requested permission to escort the aircraft to the airport in a gesture of welcome.

The visit is part of a six-day overseas tour covering the UAE and several European countries. The visit highlights continued momentum in India–UAE relations, with both sides aiming to deepen strategic and economic partnerships.

Modi thanks UAE president for reception gesture

Modi posted on social media platform X, expressing gratitude to Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for the special gesture of receiving him at Abu Dhabi airport.

He said he looked forward to discussions aimed at further strengthening India–UAE relations across key sectors, including energy, investment and supply chain cooperation.

The post highlighted continued momentum in bilateral engagement and upcoming high-level talks during his visit to the UAE.

UAE is ‘second home’, says Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the UAE felt like a “second home” during his visit, calling the sentiment deeply meaningful. “Just like you said, I have come to my second home. This sentiment is a huge capital of my life,” he noted.

Prime Minister Modi and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan held delegation-level talks in Abu Dhabi, focusing on bilateral cooperation.

Modi condemns targeting of UAE in conflict

During the discussions, PM Modi strongly condemned any targeting of the UAE in the ongoing regional conflict, reiterating India’s support for peace and stability in the region.

Modi lauds UAE support for Indian community

Modi expressed gratitude to the UAE leadership for ensuring the safety and well-being of Indian nationals during the West Asia conflict, praising the care extended to the community.

UAE eyes deeper trade and tech partnership with India

Ahead of the visit, UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation Reem Al Hashimy said both countries are working to significantly expand economic ties.

She noted that India and the UAE have already crossed the $100 billion trade milestone under the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and aim to scale it up to $200 billion.

She also highlighted growing collaboration in emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, supercomputing and infrastructure, including the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).

UAE signals strong tech cooperation push

Al Hashimy said science and technology will be central to future economic growth, adding that AI has become a key pillar of bilateral cooperation.

She emphasised that India and the UAE are actively exploring joint projects in advanced technologies, noting India’s strong capability and innovation ecosystem.

UAE calls PM Modi’s visit a symbol of strong ties

Describing the Prime Minister as a “key figure of friendship,” Al Hashimy said the UAE was looking forward to welcoming him.

She added that frequent high-level engagements between PM Modi and the UAE leadership reflect the depth of the strategic partnership between the two countries.