Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday met Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, in New Delhi and praised Dubai’s pivotal role in deepening the India-UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

The meeting took place over a working lunch hosted by PM Modi, following the Crown Prince’s arrival in India on his first official visit in this capacity, accompanied by a high-level delegation including ministers and top government officials.

“Glad to meet HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai. 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,” PM Modi posted on X.

Responding after the meeting, the Crown Prince wrote on X: “It was a pleasure meeting 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.”

During his visit, Sheikh Hamdan also held separate meetings with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.

EAM Jaishankar stated, “Delighted to welcome Crown Prince of Dubai… Value his positive sentiments for our wide-ranging cooperation and vibrant ties.”

Rajnath Singh added, “For India, the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with the UAE is of immense priority. We look forward to close cooperation in defence, co-development, innovation and technology.”

The Crown Prince will next visit Mumbai to attend a high-level business roundtable with top industry leaders from both countries, aiming to expand economic and commercial cooperation across traditional and emerging sectors.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) highlighted Dubai’s historical role in fostering trade and people-to-people ties with India, noting that a large part of the 4.3 million-strong Indian diaspora in the UAE lives 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,” the MEA said in a statement.