Mohammed bin Zayed's three-hour visit to India saw discussions on issues such as terrorism, AI, defense cooperation, and investment. Agreements were also reached on food security and agricultural cooperation.

At the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, arrived on an official visit to India on Monday (January 19, 2026). This was Mohammed bin Zayed's fifth visit to India in the last 10 years and his third official visit as President of the UAE.

Major projects agreed upon between the two countries

Prime Minister Modi and President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan reviewed the full range of bilateral cooperation between the two countries. They agreed that the India-UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership has steadily strengthened over the past decade. The two countries also agreed on a major project to establish a cultural center in Abu Dhabi, including a museum of Indian art, heritage, and archaeology.

This visit comes at a time of significant political turmoil in global politics. The US is locked in tensions with China and Russia over Venezuela and Greenland, while the situation in Iran remains extremely serious. Furthermore, reports of tensions between the UAE and Saudi Arabia are also emerging. In such a context, this meeting between the top leadership of India and the UAE holds special significance.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, bilateral trade between India and the UAE crossed $100.06 billion in fiscal year 2024-25, representing a significant growth of 19.6 percent. With this achievement, the UAE has further cemented its place among India's major trading partners.

Talks held on terrorism, AI, defence cooperation

During his three-hour visit to India, Mohamed bin Zayed discussed issues such as terrorism, AI, defense cooperation, and investment. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri stated that PM Modi and Mohamed bin Zayed held private and delegation-level discussions. Several documents were exchanged in the presence of the two leaders. An agreement was signed to develop satellite manufacturing capabilities, which aims to strengthen defense cooperation between the two countries.

UAE to supply LNG

In the economic and energy sectors, an agreement was reached to supply 0.5 million metric tons of LNG per year to India, making the UAE India's second-largest LNG supplier. A separate document was signed for UAE participation in the development of the Special Investment Region in Dholera, Gujarat.

Agreements were also reached on food security and agricultural cooperation. An MoU was signed on food security and technological requirements, which is expected to benefit Indian farmers and strengthen food security in the UAE. The two countries will also explore the possibility of establishing a "Data Embassy" based on mutual sovereignty.

Agreement reached on nuclear energy sector

The two countries agreed on partnership in the nuclear energy sector and discussed priority areas for AI. Under this agreement, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will invest in data centers in India, and the two countries will jointly establish a supercomputing cluster. The two countries will work together to promote exports to West Asia and Africa, and a 'House of India' will be established in Abu Dhabi to strengthen bilateral partnership.

Strong message to Pakistan on terrorism

The two leaders exchanged views on West Asian and global issues. They agreed to maintain peace and security in the region. They condemned cross-border terrorism and agreed that perpetrators of terrorism, its funders, and its supporters must be brought to justice, sending a strong message to Pakistan.

PC:ABPnews