Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended a special welcome to UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan upon his arrival at the airport in New Delhi on January 19, 2026, marking a significant gesture of close ties between India and the UAE. The visit, though brief, lasting approximately three-and-a-half hours according to the Foreign Secretary, was highly substantive. The leaders engaged in comprehensive discussions aimed at fortifying the India-UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Key areas of focus included enhancing trade and investment, defence cooperation, energy security, and exploring new avenues in emerging sectors like clean energy and digital infrastructure. Both nations reaffirmed their commitment to doubling bilateral trade to $200 billion by 2032, a significant increase from the $100 billion recorded in 2024-25. Initiatives like interlinking national payment platforms and promoting MSME products through 'Bharat Mart' and 'Virtual Trade Corridor' were also discussed to boost economic engagement. In a display of cultural diplomacy, Prime Minister Modi presented President Al Nahyan with traditional Indian gifts, including a royal carved wooden 'jhula' (swing) from Gujarat and a Pashmina shawl in an ornate silver box from Kashmir/Telangana. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Al Ketbi, the President's mother, also received a Pashmina shawl and Kashmiri saffron. The visit, President Al Nahyan's third official trip to India since assuming office, comes amidst evolving geopolitical developments in West Asia, highlighting the strategic importance of the India-UAE relationship. A letter of intent was signed to work towards a strategic defence partnership, and cooperation in space infrastructure was also discussed, further underscoring the broad scope of their collaboration.