Mumbai: External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar and his UAE counterpart, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, held talks in Mumbai on Tuesday to review bilateral relations and explore ways to strengthen the two countries’ comprehensive strategic and economic partnership.
The discussions covered trade, investment, energy, technology, logistics, defence, education and people-to-people ties, alongside regional developments in West Asia.
Expressing deep concern over the situation in the Gulf, Jaishankar said India would continue to support all efforts to promote peace through dialogue and diplomacy. He also emphasised the need to ensure the free, safe and unimpeded flow of trade, energy and fertilisers. Jaishankar thanked the UAE leadership for ensuring the well-being of the Indian community in the country.
#WATCH | Mumbai, Maharashtra: Delivering his opening remarks during meeting with DPM & FM Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan of UAE, EAM Dr S Jaishankar says, "The situation in the Gulf remains a matter of deep concern; we will continue to work together and support all efforts to promote diaolgue and diplomacy. We continue to support free, safe and unimpeded flow of trade, energy and fertiliser. I would also like to thank you today, and through you, the UAE leadership for ensuring the well-being of the Indian community in the UAE." (Video: MEA/YouTube)
— ANI (@ANI) October 20, 2026
Highlighting the strength of bilateral economic ties, Jaishankar said the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), signed in 2022, had significantly boosted trade and investment. Bilateral trade has crossed $100 billion since the agreement came into force, while two-way investments continue to grow despite global economic headwinds and regional challenges. He added that cooperation in defence, energy and technology was acquiring a strategic dimension, while cultural and people-to-people ties continued to expand.
In a post on X following the meeting, Jaishankar described the discussions as productive and said the India-UAE relationship was living up to its promise as a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
A productive meeting with DPM & FM UAE @ABZayed, undertaking a comprehensive review of our wide - ranging ties. The breadth and ambition of our cooperation is visible across the domains of trade, investments, energy, technology, logistics, defence, education and people to people ties.The India - UAE relationship is living upto its promise as a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. 🇮🇳 🇦🇪
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) October 20, 2026
Sheikh Abdullah, who is also the UAE’s Deputy Prime Minister, said his country sought to deepen and diversify its relationship with India, particularly in areas such as culture, education and people-to-people exchanges. Describing the UAE as one of India’s largest trading partners, he said, “We are very close, but we want to be closer.”
The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the expanded meeting focused on identifying new opportunities to strengthen the comprehensive strategic and economic partnership and broaden bilateral cooperation in key sectors to support the development and prosperity of both countries.
Also Read:
Sheikh Abdullah arrived in Mumbai on Monday for a two-day official visit. The Ministry of External Affairs said the visit reflected the close and regular engagement between the two countries and would further strengthen their strategic partnership. He was received by Maharashtra Skill Development Minister Mangalprabhat Lodha.
The visit follows Jaishankar’s recent trip to the UAE, during which he held discussions with Emirati officials and participated in the Raisina Middle East Dialogue. India and the UAE have strengthened their economic and investment ties through the CEPA, a local currency settlement system and a bilateral investment treaty.
(With inputs from agencies)
