Modi Gifts Symbols of Indian Heritage to UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed in High-Level Diplomatic Visit
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday welcomed UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to New Delhi with a gesture of personal diplomacy that underscored the strength of India-UAE ties. Marking the visiting leader’s third official trip to India since assuming office, the two-hour visit was characterised by high symbolism, strategic continuity, and growing cultural affinity.
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| Image Source: PM NaMo |
Referring to Sheikh Mohamed as “my brother” on social media, the Prime Minister said the visit reflected the importance the UAE attaches to its Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with India.
Images of the two leaders travelling together from the airport, exchanging greetings and sharing a private conversation, further underlined the close personal rapport between them.
Following their arrival, Modi hosted Sheikh Mohamed and his family at his official residence on Lok Kalyan Marg, where he presented them with traditional Indian gifts reflecting India’s civilisational heritage.
President Mohamed bin Zayed was gifted a hand-carved Royal Wooden Jhula from Gujarat, known for its intricate floral and traditional craftsmanship. The jhula, a cultural emblem of familial togetherness and intergenerational dialogue, was seen as a symbolic nod to the UAE’s 2026 “Year of the Family” declaration.
In addition, Modi presented a handmade Pashmina shawl from Kashmir, encased in a silver box crafted in Telangana. A similar gift was offered to Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Al Ketbi, accompanied by Kashmiri saffron — globally prized for its deep crimson strands and unique aroma.
The official agenda for the visit included discussions on enhancing bilateral cooperation under the India–UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the talks were expected to include a review of ongoing collaborations and an exchange of views on key regional and global issues.
The visit also coincides with rising geopolitical tensions in West Asia, where the United States has proposed moving to the next phase of its Gaza Peace Plan, including the establishment of a National Committee for Gaza’s administration.
Modi has also been invited by US President Donald Trump to participate in the proposed Gaza Peace Board.
India and the UAE have witnessed a flurry of recent high-level exchanges, including the 2024 visit of Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed and the 2025 visit of Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum.
The latest meeting continues this momentum across strategic, economic, and defence sectors.
Earlier this month, Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi visited the UAE to strengthen bilateral military ties, while External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar was in Abu Dhabi in December for the India-UAE Joint Commission Meeting and Strategic Dialogue.
Bilateral frameworks such as the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), the Local Currency Settlement (LCS) mechanism, and the Bilateral Investment Treaty have underpinned sustained economic engagement between the two countries.
Energy cooperation, long-term supply arrangements, and strategic convergence in multilateral groupings such as the UN, BRICS, I2U2, and the India-France-UAE trilateral continue to define the broader scope of relations.