The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is focused on strengthening and diversifying its partnership with India, emphasizing the importance of closer ties, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan said on Wednesday. Speaking during an expanded meeting with Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar in Mumbai, Sheikh Abdullah highlighted the “special” nature of the bilateral relationship and expressed a desire to enhance cooperation across multiple sectors.
The UAE ranks as India’s third-largest trading partner, following the United States and China, underlining the significant economic link between the two countries. Sheikh Abdullah noted that the ongoing efforts are aimed at expanding collaboration in areas beyond trade, including cultural and educational exchanges.
“We are very close, but we want to be closer,” Sheikh Abdullah remarked, highlighting the deep friendship and mutual trust that underpin the relationship. He said both nations’ leadership and peoples share a common goal to build a more diverse and robust partnership.
The visit to Mumbai marked Sheikh Abdullah’s first trip to the city in several years, during which he observed India’s rapid urban growth and economic transformation. “For me, just being in Mumbai after such a long time is an eye-opener in how the city, the country is evolving, developing,” he said.
In addition to bilateral discussions, Sheikh Abdullah took part in a trilateral meeting with Jaishankar and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The three officials explored ways to enhance their countries’ cooperation across various sectors, reflecting a shared interest in broadening strategic partnerships.
The UAE and India are committed to deepening collaboration under the framework of their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. The discussions focused on expanding trade, investment, education, culture, and heritage cooperation.
Sheikh Abdullah also underscored that the relationship between the UAE and India extends beyond formal diplomatic engagement. Highlighting the friendship between himself and Jaishankar as a foundation of trust, he said this personal connection plays a critical role in advancing bilateral ties.
The renewed momentum in UAE-India relations reflects a broader regional trend of increased engagement between Gulf states and India, driven by economic integration, shared security interests, and cultural connections. Both sides signaled their intent to build on existing frameworks to foster a more comprehensive and resilient partnership in the years ahead.