UAE Deputy Prime Minister Arrives in Mumbai for Bilateral Talks with India

Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the United Arab Emirates’ deputy prime minister and foreign minister, arrived in Mumbai on the evening of October 19, starting a two‑day visit aimed at deepening India‑UAE ties. He will meet External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on October 20 for wide‑ranging talks covering trade, energy, defence and broader West Asian security, including recent attacks on Saudi Arabia. The UAE leader was welcomed at the airport by Maharashtra’s Skill Development Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha. Jaishankar posted on social media that he was delighted to host the UAE dignitary and looks forward to the discussions. The External Affairs Ministry’s spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the high‑level visit underscores the regular engagement between the two countries and will further strengthen their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Jaiswal had earlier, on October 16, said both sides will review and push forward initiatives in energy, trade and investment, fintech, defence and connectivity. The agenda reflects the growing cooperation in sectors such as renewable power, maritime trade and joint defence projects. The meeting follows a series of senior‑level exchanges that have cemented the partnership over recent years.

Context

India and the UAE have signed multiple agreements in the past decade, creating a deep economic and security bond that supports both nations’ growth and regional stability.