Daijiworld Media Network- New Delhi
New Delhi, Apr 8: In a significant diplomatic engagement, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai and Deputy Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates, arrived in India on Tuesday for a two-day official visit at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
This visit marks Sheikh Hamdan’s first official tour to India in his capacity as Crown Prince, and is viewed as a major step towards deepening the robust India–UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. He is accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising senior ministers, top government officials, and leading business figures from the UAE.
Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to host a working lunch in honour of the visiting dignitary later today. During his stay in New Delhi, the Crown Prince will also hold key meetings with External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to discuss expanding bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors.
Following his engagements in the capital, Sheikh Hamdan will proceed to Mumbai where he will participate in a business roundtable alongside prominent industry leaders from both countries. The meeting is expected to explore collaborative opportunities in both traditional sectors and emerging fields.
The Ministry of External Affairs, in an official statement, highlighted the significance of the visit, stating: “Dubai has historically played a vital role in strengthening India’s cultural, commercial, and people-to-people ties with the UAE. With over 4.3 million Indians residing in the UAE — the majority of whom are in Dubai — this visit will further reinforce our multifaceted relationship.”
The invitation for the visit was personally extended by EAM Jaishankar during his official trip to the UAE earlier this year from January 27 to 29. After meeting the Crown Prince in Dubai, Jaishankar posted on X (formerly Twitter), “Delighted to meet Crown Prince of Dubai and DPM and Minister of Defence of UAE HH Hamdan Mohammed. A warm conversation on our deep bonds of friendship and taking them forward for the good of our people.”
The visit underscores the growing momentum in India-UAE relations, which have seen rapid advancement in recent years across trade, energy, infrastructure, and strategic affairs.