Jaishankar welcomes UAE foreign minister in Mumbai as India deepens Gulf ties
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar begins two days of talks with Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan covering energy, investment, and regional stability.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar received the United Arab Emirates’ Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in Mumbai on Monday evening for a two-day official visit.
The talks, scheduled across Tuesday, will review the bilateral Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and evaluate joint initiatives in energy, trade, investment, fintech, defence, and regional connectivity.
"Delighted to welcome DPM & FM UAE @ABZayed to Mumbai. Look forward to our talks," Jaishankar said in a public message shortly after the arrival. Maharashtra’s Skill Development Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha was also on the tarmac to receive the visiting Gulf leader.
External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the visit reflects the close and regular contact between New Delhi and Abu Dhabi, aimed at expanding cooperation across economic and strategic sectors.
What the Mumbai talks cover
The ministerial discussions come as New Delhi continues to strengthen its economic and strategic footing across West Asia, anchoring regional ties through commercial and security partnerships.
| Area of engagement | Focus of bilateral discussions |
|---|---|
| Trade & Investment | Deepening bilateral commerce and long-term capital flows |
| Energy security | Reviewing oil, gas, and clean energy supply arrangements |
| Financial technology | Integrating payment platforms and fintech cooperation |
| Defence & Maritime | Coordination on security and counter-terror efforts |
| Connectivity | Advancing cross-regional transit and infrastructure corridors |
Beyond bilateral trade, both foreign ministers are scheduled to deliberate on the wider security climate across West Asia.
Regional security talks in Abu Dhabi
The Mumbai meeting follows urgent consultations within the Gulf itself over recent attacks targeting civilian and transport hubs. On Sunday in Abu Dhabi, Saudi Arabia’s Defence Minister, Prince Khalid bin Salman, met UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan and Vice President Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al-Nahyan to review regional stability.
Saudi Arabia has faced repeated cross-border assaults by Houthi rebels from Yemen, who have directed 20 strikes against Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport since October 1. The deadliest among them, on October 10, killed 13 people and wounded 308.
Prince Khalid noted after the Abu Dhabi discussions that the two Gulf states reviewed regional developments and explored ways to strengthen joint security. UAE presidential adviser Dr Anwar Gargash remarked that Emirati-Saudi cooperation serves as "one of the pillars of Gulf stability and prosperity".
For India, maintaining continuous diplomatic engagement with Abu Dhabi remains central to safeguarding its diaspora, securing energy trade routes, and ensuring broader maritime stability across the Arabian Sea.
Key numbers
| What | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Strikes on Riyadh airport since October 1 | 20 | UAE and Saudi authorities cited in published reports |
| Casualties in October 10 airport strike | 13 killed, 308 wounded | Saudi and Emirati official security reports |
| Length of UAE foreign minister's visit | 2 days | Ministry of External Affairs |
Questions readers are asking
Why is UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan visiting India?
He is in Mumbai for a two-day visit to hold talks with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on trade, investment, energy, defence, fintech, and West Asia security.
What recent regional security issues were raised during Gulf consultations?
Saudi Arabia discussed recent security strikes with the UAE leadership following 20 attacks by Yemen's Houthi rebels targeting Riyadh's airport since October 1.
In this story
| Name | Role in the story |
|---|---|
| Mumbai | City where the India-UAE bilateral talks took place. |
| Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan | Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates visiting Mumbai. |
| S. Jaishankar | India's External Affairs Minister receiving his UAE counterpart and leading bilateral talks. |
