Jaishankar Meets UAE President: Bolstering Strategic Ties and Diaspora Safety

April 13, 2026 – In a significant move to reinforce one of India’s most vital bilateral relationships, External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr. S. Jaishankar met with the President of the United Arab Emirates, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in Abu Dhabi on Sunday.

The high-level meeting, which took place during the second leg of Jaishankar’s four-day diplomatic tour, focused on the evolving security architecture in West Asia, energy security, and the welfare of the nearly 3.5 million-strong Indian community in the Emirates.

Strengthening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership

Dr. Jaishankar’s visit comes at a time of heightened regional complexity. During the discussions, the EAM delivered a personal message from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, emphasizing India’s commitment to the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).

The leaders reviewed the progress of bilateral initiatives across several key sectors:

• Trade and Economy: Evaluating the growth of non-oil trade under CEPA.
• Energy Dynamics: Ensuring stability in energy supplies and exploring green energy collaborations.
• Regional Stability: Exchanging views on the recent hostilities in West Asia and their implications for maritime security and the global economy.

“The UAE is a major partner for us,” Jaishankar noted following the meeting. “Our conversation focused on our strategic relationship and its various initiatives… despite a complex regional environment, the dialogue between our nations remains strong and transparent.”

Focus on Diaspora Welfare Amid Regional Tensions

A central theme of the visit was the safety and security of the Indian expatriate community. Following a period of regional volatility, Dr. Jaishankar expressed India’s deep gratitude to the UAE leadership for the protection and support extended to Indian nationals.

Earlier on Saturday, the Minister met with representatives of the Indian community to gather direct feedback. He shared these sentiments with the UAE President and the Crown Prince of Dubai, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, who was also present during the high-level call.

Addressing the West Asia Crisis

The discussions held particular weight given the fragile geopolitical climate in the Gulf. With the Strait of Hormuz serving as a critical artery for India’s energy imports, the EAM reiterated India’s stakes in regional stability.

The meeting addressed:

1. Maritime Security: Ensuring the safe passage of commercial vessels.
2. Conflict Resolution: India’s solidarity with the UAE regarding measures taken to safeguard its sovereignty and civilian infrastructure.
3. Humanitarian Concerns: Coordinating efforts to mitigate the economic impact of the West Asia crisis.

Diplomatic Synergy

Dr. Jaishankar also held extensive talks with his counterpart, UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan. These “open and detailed” consultations highlighted the synergy between New Delhi and Abu Dhabi in navigating international law and regional norms.

As Dr. Jaishankar concludes his visit—which also included a stop in Mauritius for the 9th Indian Ocean Conference—the mission underscores India’s proactive “Extended Neighborhood” policy. By bridging the gap between resident citizens and the leadership of their host nation, India continues to solidify its role as a steadying force in a volatile global landscape.+1

Key Highlights of the Visit:

Area	Outcome
Bilateral Ties	Reinforcement of CEPA and Strategic Partnership.
Security	Consensus on protecting maritime energy routes.
Diaspora	Official gratitude for the safety of 3.5 million Indians.
Regional Policy	Alignment on de-escalation and international law.