Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan begins first official visit to India

New Delhi, Apr 8: Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), arrived in New Delhi on Tuesday morning for his first official visit to India. He was received with a ceremonial guard of honour and welcomed at the airport by Minister of State for Tourism and Petroleum & Natural Gas Suresh Gopi.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted Sheikh Hamdan at Hyderabad House later in the day, where the two leaders held wide-ranging discussions aimed at boosting the India-UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

“Glad to meet HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai,” Prime Minister Modi wrote on X. “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.” The Prime Minister recalled his own visit to the UAE last year, where he attended the World Government Summit in Dubai as Guest of Honour, and conveyed warm greetings to UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and UAE Vice President and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

Describing the visit as “a symbol of generational continuity in our special relationship,” Modi highlighted the shared vision and trust that form the foundation of the India-UAE bond. He also expressed gratitude for the UAE’s continued support to the Indian community of over 4.3 million people residing there.

The leaders explored deeper cooperation in sectors including trade, investment, defence, technology, energy, education, sports, and people-to-people ties. Notably, discussions also touched on regional security and emerging areas such as green energy and innovation.

External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar, who also met with the visiting dignitary, said: “Delighted to welcome Crown Prince of Dubai and DPM & Minister of Defence of UAE HH @HamdanMohammed at the start of his first official visit to India. Value his positive sentiments for our wide-ranging cooperation and vibrant ties.”

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held a bilateral meeting with Sheikh Hamdan, with defence collaboration featuring prominently in the talks. “Had a productive meeting with the Crown Prince of Dubai,” Rajnath Singh posted on X. “For India, the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with the UAE is of immense priority. In the coming years, we are eager to work closely in areas such as defence cooperation, co-production and co-development projects, innovation and technology. Both India and the UAE are committed to work towards peace and prosperity in the region.”

The Crown Prince is accompanied by a high-level delegation of senior ministers, government officials, and leading Emirati business leaders. His visit is expected to give fresh momentum to the fast-growing bilateral relationship, focusing on economic synergy and strategic collaboration. On Wednesday, Sheikh Hamdan will travel to Mumbai to participate in a high-level business roundtable featuring Indian and Emirati industry leaders. The session will focus on opportunities in sectors such as infrastructure, fintech, artificial intelligence, green energy, and defence innovation.

Dubai, home to the largest share of the Indian diaspora in the Gulf, has long served as a vital gateway for India’s engagement with West Asia. The city remains a hub for Indian trade, logistics, finance, and culture, making it a cornerstone of New Delhi’s regional diplomacy. With bilateral trade already crossing $85 billion, both sides are working toward doubling that figure. Officials say the Crown Prince’s visit is expected to result in new agreements and joint initiatives that will further anchor the relationship in shared growth and regional stability.