Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday personally welcomed UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan at the Delhi airport during his brief visit to India, a gesture that reflected the deep and evolving bond between the two nations. The warm embrace shared by the leaders and their brief ride together immediately set the tone for what officials described as an important diplomatic engagement.
The UAE President arrived in the national capital for a short visit, expected to last around two hours. Despite the limited duration, the trip carries strategic significance, with key discussions scheduled between the two leaders later in the evening.
Prime Minister Modi took to social media platform X to share moments from the airport reception, referring to Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed as his “brother.” He noted that the visit underlined the importance the UAE leadership places on strengthening ties with India and said he was looking forward to meaningful discussions.
Went to the airport to welcome my brother, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE. His visit illustrates the importance he attaches to a strong India-UAE friendship. Looking forward to our discussions.@MohamedBinZayed pic.twitter.com/Os3FRvVrBc
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 19, 2026
Officials confirmed that regional security developments in West Asia are likely to feature prominently in the talks. The discussions are expected to cover the ongoing conflict in Gaza, rising tensions between Iran and the United States, and the unresolved situation in Yemen involving Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Several Memorandums of Understanding are also expected to be signed during the visit.
The timing of the UAE President’s trip is significant, as West Asia continues to witness heightened instability. Diplomatic sources pointed out that the visit coincides with preparations by the United States to move forward with the second phase of the Gaza Peace Plan, which aims to establish a national administrative framework for the region.
The Ministry of External Affairs stated that the visit was made at the invitation of Prime Minister Modi and builds on the strong momentum created by recent high-level exchanges between the two countries. These include the visit of Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, in September 2024, and the visit of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE and Crown Prince of Dubai, in April 2025.
This visit marks Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s third official trip to India since assuming office as President of the UAE and his fifth visit to the country in the last ten years. The frequency of these high-level interactions highlights the growing strategic partnership between New Delhi and Abu Dhabi, spanning areas such as trade, energy, defence cooperation, technology, and regional stability.
The personal warmth displayed during the airport reception once again underscored how India-UAE relations have moved beyond formal diplomacy, reflecting trust, continuity, and shared strategic interests in a rapidly changing global landscape.