Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai, who also serves as the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, praised the strong relationship between the UAE and India on Tuesday after meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi.

The Crown Prince of Dubai arrived in India earlier today for a two-day visit, following an invitation from Prime Minister Modi. "It was a pleasure meeting the Prime Minister Narendra Modi today in New Delhi. Our conversations reaffirmed the strength of UAE-India ties which is built on trust, shaped by history, and driven by a shared vision to create a future full of opportunity, innovation, and lasting prosperity," he posted on X after meeting PM Modi. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai, is visiting India for the first time in his official capacity. He is joined by several ministers, top government officials, and a high-level business team.

Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai, is visiting India for the first time in an official capacity. He is joined by several ministers, top government officials, and a high-level business team. "Delighted to welcome Crown Prince of Dubai and DPM & Minister of Defence of UAE HH Hamdan Mohammed at the start of his first official visit to India. Value his positive sentiments for our wide-ranging cooperation and vibrant ties," said EAM Jaishankar. After visiting Delhi, the Crown Prince will travel to Mumbai, where he will join a business roundtable with leading business figures from both countries. This meeting aims to boost India-UAE economic and trade ties, covering both traditional sectors and emerging industries.

"Traditionally, Dubai has played an important role in India's commercial, cultural and people-to-people exchanges with the UAE. Majority of India's around 4.3 million diaspora in UAE reside and work in Dubai. The visit of His Highness the Crown Prince will further solidify the India-UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and strengthen our multifaceted ties with Dubai," read a statement issued by the MEA.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also had a separate meeting with the visiting leader. Later, he said that India is keen to work closely with the Gulf countries in the defence field, especially in joint production and development of defence projects.

The two leaders expressed satisfaction with the ongoing cooperation between their Coast Guards and agreed to strengthen it further by formalising the partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). They recognised that closer collaboration between their defence industries should be a key part of their bilateral relations. They also discussed ways to enhance cooperation in defence manufacturing.

Both ministers acknowledged the active participation of both countries in each other’s defence exhibitions and expos. They welcomed the India-UAE Defence Partnership Forum, which has the potential to lead to strategic joint ventures and co-production projects that would benefit both nations. They also agreed to focus on aligning the Make-in-India and Make-in-Emirates initiatives to complement each other. "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," Rajnath Singh said. He added that India and the United Arab Emirates are dedicated to promoting "peace and prosperity" in the region.