Digital News Guru New Delhi Desk:
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defence of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), embarked on his inaugural official visit to India on April 8, 2025. This two-day visit underscores the deepening ties between India and the UAE, aiming to bolster their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership across various sectors.
Sheikh Hamdan in India
Upon his arrival at Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi, Sheikh Hamdan and his delegation were received by Suresh Gopi, India’s Minister of State for Tourism and Petroleum and Natural Gas. The Crown Prince was accorded a ceremonial guard of honor, reflecting the significance India places on this visit.
Meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted a working lunch for Sheikh Hamdan at his residence on Lok Kalyan Marg. The discussions between the two leaders focused on enhancing cooperation in trade, investments, defense, energy, technology, education, sports, and people-to-people ties. Prime Minister Modi conveyed his warm regards to UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Dubai’s Ruler, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. He also extended his good wishes to Sheikh Hamdan on the birth of his daughter, Hind bint Hamdan. In a gesture symbolizing the historic friendship between the two nations, Sheikh Hamdan presented Prime Minister Modi with a replica of his grandfather Sheikh Rashid’s bisht, a traditional embroidered cloak.
Engagements with Indian Ministers
Sheikh Hamdan’s itinerary included meetings with key Indian ministers to further bilateral cooperation:
- External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar: The Crown Prince and Dr. Jaishankar discussed the extensive and vibrant cooperation between India and the UAE. Sheikh Hamdan presented an original newspaper clipping from August 1984, highlighting his father Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s efforts in rescuing passengers aboard Indian Airlines Flight 421, underscoring the longstanding ties between the two nations.
- Defence Minister Rajnath Singh: In their meeting, avenues to strengthen defense and military cooperation were explored, focusing on collaboration in defense industries, military training, skills development, and technology transfer. Both sides emphasized the importance of regular consultations on regional and international security issues.
Business and Economic Collaboration
Following his engagements in New Delhi, Sheikh Hamdan traveled to Mumbai to participate in a business roundtable with prominent business leaders from both countries. This interaction aimed to strengthen economic and commercial cooperation across traditional and emerging sectors. Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal highlighted the significant growth in bilateral trade facilitated by the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and welcomed the signing of milestone Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) during the event.
Cultural and People-to-People Ties
Dubai has historically played a pivotal role in India’s commercial and cultural exchanges with the UAE. A significant portion of the approximately 4.3 million Indian diaspora in the UAE resides and works in Dubai, contributing to the robust people-to-people connections between the two nations. Sheikh Hamdan’s visit is expected to further solidify these ties, enhancing mutual understanding and cooperation.
Statements from Leaders
Prime Minister Modi, reflecting on the visit, stated, “Dubai has played a key role in advancing the India-UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. This special visit reaffirms our deep-rooted friendship and paves the way for even stronger collaboration in the future.”
Sheikh Hamdan echoed similar sentiments, noting, “Our conversations reaffirmed the strength of UAE–India ties, which are built on trust, shaped by history, and driven by a shared vision to create a future full of opportunity, innovation, and lasting prosperity.”
Conclusion
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s maiden official visit to India marks a significant milestone in the India-UAE relationship. The series of high-level engagements and discussions underscore a mutual commitment to deepening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. As both nations look to the future, this visit lays the groundwork for enhanced cooperation across various sectors, fostering a relationship that is both dynamic and enduring.
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