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India–UAE Relations Enter a New Strategic Era After President MBZ’s Landmark India Visit
- $200 Billion Trade Target by 2032
- Strategic Defence Partnership framework agreed
- Joint Space Ecosystem & Supercomputing Cluster in India
- 10-Year LNG Deal + Nuclear Cooperation under SHANTI Act
- Education, DigiLocker, Youth Exchanges & Cultural Ties Expanded
India–UAE Joint Statement 2026: Full Story Explained
India and the United Arab Emirates have taken their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership to unprecedented heights following the official visit of UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to India on 19 January 2026.
The visit, held at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marked Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed’s fifth visit in ten years and his third as President, reflecting the depth, trust and continuity of the India–UAE relationship.
Leadership-Level Trust & Generational Continuity
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed conducted wide-ranging discussions covering trade, defence, energy, AI, space, nuclear cooperation, education, culture and global affairs.
The leaders also welcomed the recent visits of:
- Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan (Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi)
- Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum (Crown Prince of Dubai)
These visits were described as proof of long-term generational commitment to the bilateral partnership.
Trade & Economy: From $100B to $200B Vision
Following the India–UAE CEPA (2022), bilateral trade surged to US$100 billion in FY 2024–25.
Major Decision:
Both countries agreed to double trade to US$200 billion by 2032
MSME-Focused Growth
Special focus will be given to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) through:
- Bharat Mart
- Virtual Trade Corridor
- Bharat–Africa Setu
These initiatives aim to connect Indian MSMEs with markets across West Asia, Africa, Eurasia and the Middle East.
Dholera Special Investment Region: A Mega Opportunity
One of the most significant outcomes was a Letter of Intent for UAE investment in Dholera (Gujarat).
Planned Infrastructure Includes:
- International Airport
- Greenfield Port
- Smart Urban Township
- Railway Connectivity
- MRO & Pilot Training School
- Energy Infrastructure
UAE sovereign wealth funds were also invited to invest in the NIIF’s second Infrastructure Fund (2026).
Space, AI & Digital Sovereignty Push
Space Sector Collaboration
India and UAE agreed to develop a joint space industry ecosystem, covering:
- Launch infrastructure
- Manufacturing & technology zones
- Incubation centres for space start-ups
- Joint India–UAE space missions
AI & Supercomputing
- Supercomputing cluster in India (C-DAC & UAE’s G42)
- Data centres and cloud infrastructure exploration
- Proposal for Digital / Data Embassies under mutually recognised sovereignty
President Sheikh Mohamed also supported India’s AI Impact Summit (Feb 2026).
Energy Security & Nuclear Partnership
LNG Agreement
- 10-year LNG Supply Deal between HPCL and ADNOC Gas
- 0.5 MMTPA LNG supply starting from 2028
Nuclear Cooperation
Under India’s SHANTI Nuclear Energy Act, both sides agreed to explore:
- Large nuclear reactors
- Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)
- Advanced reactor systems
- Nuclear safety & operations
Defence, Security & Counter-Terrorism
The leaders welcomed growing defence engagement, including:
- Military exercises
- High-level service chief exchanges
- Letter of Intent for Strategic Defence Partnership
They strongly condemned terrorism in all forms, including cross-border terrorism, and reaffirmed cooperation under FATF to curb terror financing.
Global & Multilateral Cooperation
Both leaders reiterated cooperation on:
- India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC)
- India’s BRICS Chairmanship 2026
- UN Water Conference 2026, co-hosted by the UAE
They also agreed to deepen collaboration in polar research and climate science.
Education, Culture & People-to-People Ties
Education & Innovation
- Expansion of IIT Delhi & IIM Ahmedabad campuses in UAE
- University partnerships & student exchanges
- Innovation & Tinkering Labs in schools
DigiLocker Integration
India’s DigiLocker will be integrated with UAE platforms for seamless degree and document verification.
Cultural Diplomacy
- UAE to provide artefacts for Lothal Maritime Heritage Complex
- Establishment of a ‘House of India’ in Abu Dhabi
- Youth exchange programmes to deepen cultural bonds
Why This Visit Matters
👉Strengthens India’s energy & food security
👉Boosts Make in India & MSME exports
👉Positions India as a global AI & space hub
👉Enhances strategic autonomy & defence readiness
👉Deepens people-to-people trust
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