Stay here for real-time updates on breaking news from India and across the world that you can’t miss: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday welcomed UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan at Delhi airport as he arrived in the national capital for an official visit. Upon arrival, the two leaders travelled together in the same car, underscoring the close rapport between them. The visit comes amid heightened tensions in West Asia, including strained Iran-US relations, ongoing instability in Gaza, and the unresolved Yemen conflict involving Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
Sharing his greetings on social media platform X, PM Modi said, “Went to the airport to welcome my brother, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE. His visit illustrates the importance he attaches to a strong India-UAE friendship. Looking forward to our discussions.” He also shared photographs of the two leaders, including one inside a car and another showing a warm embrace.
At his residence on Lok Kalyan Marg, PM Modi received Sheikh Mohamed and his family and presented them with traditional Indian gifts. The President was given a Royal Carved Wooden Jhula, a hand-carved swing from Gujarat symbolising family bonding, and a Pashmina shawl in an ornate silver box representing India’s handloom craftsmanship. H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Al Ketbi received a Pashmina shawl and Kashmiri saffron, prized for its crimson strands and intense aroma, highlighting India’s rich cultural heritage.