Jaishankar profusely thanked UAE authorities for their vigilant protection of Indian residents caught in the crossfire. His X post captured the essence: delight in the meeting, appreciation for community care, and a review of conflict updates.

This follows PM Modi’s Tuesday call with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, where he vehemently denounced assaults on UAE that killed innocents and wrecked civilian assets. The duo concurred on safeguarding the Strait of Hormuz for seamless shipping, vital for world commerce.

Modi’s X update conveyed Eid wishes, repeated condemnations, and a pledge to collaborate for peace, security, and stability. Their March 1 exchange had similarly voiced India’s support in adversity.

The conflict’s ripple effects threaten regional capitals and allied forces, amplifying concerns for over 3 million Indians in the Gulf. India’s dual track—diplomatic pressure for ceasefires and welfare checks—exemplifies balanced foreign policy.

With energy routes at stake, these talks bolster the India-UAE strategic alliance, rooted in trade volumes exceeding $80 billion annually. As tensions simmer, such engagements pave the way for collective action toward de-escalation and reconstruction in West Asia.

Both leaders voiced grave concerns about the surge in hostilities, particularly the drone assaults targeting UAE’s vital petroleum installations in Fujairah. India issued a firm condemnation of these attacks, which claimed innocent lives and damaged civilian facilities, while underscoring the urgency of safeguarding non-combatants.

A major point of consensus was the uninterrupted maritime passage via the Strait of Hormuz, a chokepoint for international oil trade. PM Modi’s X post captured the essence: a fraternal exchange denouncing the violence and affirming joint resolve for regional peace.

Details of the Fujairah incident reveal a drone strike igniting a massive fire at the oil industry zone, a key terminal for crude exports and ship refueling. Local teams quelled the flames after intense efforts, averting worse damage. This marks the third such targeting in recent times, linked to escalating US-Israel actions against Iran.

The conversation reflects India’s proactive diplomacy in the Gulf, where millions of Indian expatriates reside and energy flows sustain the economy. By aligning with UAE on security, New Delhi bolsters its strategic partnerships amid geopolitical flux.

Looking ahead, this engagement may catalyze multilateral initiatives to secure shipping lanes. As tensions simmer, the Modi-Nahyan rapport exemplifies how personal ties can drive policy towards stability, benefiting global commerce and humanitarian causes alike.

Foreign Ministry officials recounted the longstanding India-UAE friendship, with both leaders expressing delight over achievements in diverse areas. A major focus was enhancing AI cooperation, aligning with broader strategic goals.

The Crown Prince landed in the capital late the previous night, greeted by senior minister Chandrashekhar Pemmasani. Official welcomes on X platform portrayed the duo as trusted allies in advanced technologies, committed to pioneering AI advancements together.

Earlier, PM Modi launched the 2026 edition of the summit at the prestigious Bharat Mandapam venue. Speaking to an international gathering of presidents, prime ministers, and AI pioneers, he hailed the occasion as a milestone for the Global South.

Modi emphasized ethical AI usage in today’s fast-paced tech landscape. “Welcome to the world’s largest and most historic AI summit,” he declared. India, he noted, embodies a youthful demographic powerhouse with unmatched tech innovation and adoption prowess, representing a sixth of the global population.

His address welcomed global leaders on behalf of India’s vast populace, framing the hosting as a point of pride. Live AI-driven sign language translation during the speech illustrated real-world tech integration.

This gathering, the inaugural major AI conclave in the Global South, unites top-tier officials, tech gurus, and industry influencers. The Modi-Khalid interaction underscores a robust framework for future Indo-Emirati ventures in AI, potentially setting benchmarks for inclusive technological progress worldwide.

Over 8,000 attendees, from esteemed guests and envoys to everyday families, gathered for the anniversary under the theme ‘Temple: Our Family, Our Future.’ This powerful motif illustrates how the temple transcends ritual spaces, becoming a dynamic force that strengthens familial ties, unites diverse communities, and cultivates intercultural goodwill.

Keynote speaker Swami Brahmvihari Swamiji, standing in for Mahant Swami Maharaj, captivated the audience with his metaphor: ‘A toddler walks at one year, speaks at two—this temple now speaks to the world, proclaiming harmony.’ The message echoed universally among international diplomats, faith leaders, visitors, and locals alike.

The event paid homage to Honorable Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan for his advocacy of unity in the UAE. In his speech, he described the temple as an ‘icon of common humanity’ mirroring the deep India-UAE bond, wishing it enduringly guides generations in spirituality, ethics, and societal progress.

Spotlight sessions in the ‘Temple Dialogue’ series showcased the temple’s societal ripples. Envoys lauded it as a fusion of heritage and contemporary diplomacy; families recounted its role as a sanctuary where customs flourish and service fortifies relationships.

Young participants spearheaded vows on self-improvement, upholding family principles, fostering national unity, and environmental stewardship, signaling the temple’s vision for empowered youth.

This fusion of timeless artistry and eco-friendly design exemplifies cross-cultural synergy. Yet, its essence thrives in sparking devotion, family resilience, social service, and global tranquility.

As it steps into year three, the BAPS Hindu Temple inspires confidence in building a brighter, more cohesive world via faith, selfless service, and togetherness.

The President’s lightning 1.5-hour visit—his third as head of state—comes at PM Modi’s behest. Set against a backdrop of international turbulence, including US-China-Russia frictions, Iran’s volatility, and UAE-Saudi tensions, this rendezvous carries extra weight.

Modi posted on X: ‘Welcoming my brother, HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan at the airport. His visit shows the value he places on our strong friendship. Eager for our talks.’ The MEA outlined the schedule: bilateral discussions wrapping up with departure at 6:05 PM.

Expect conversations on booming trade (up 19.6% to $100.06 billion in FY24-25), investments, defense, energy, and world affairs. UAE ranks high among India’s trade allies, a bond fortified by years of collaboration. Recall Modi’s 2019 receipt of UAE’s Order of Zayed.

This isn’t just protocol; it’s a strategic pitstop. With global politics in disarray, the Modi-Nahyan dialogue could yield breakthroughs in energy deals, security pacts, and economic synergies. As the leaders confer, it signals India’s rising clout in West Asia and beyond.

The centerpiece was a regal wooden swing from Gujarat, meticulously hand-carved with floral patterns and traditional designs. In Gujarati households, the jhula fosters family conversations and bonds across generations, making it an apt present especially as UAE gears up for its ‘Year of Family’ in 2026.

PM Modi also gifted Sheikh Mohamed a luxurious Kashmiri pashmina shawl, preserved in a beautifully engraved silver box from Telangana artisans. This lightweight yet insulating shawl showcases Kashmir’s heritage of handloom excellence.

For Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Al Ketbi, the gifts included a matching pashmina in silver packaging and premium Kashmiri saffron in another ornate box. The saffron’s rich aroma and color make it a global delicacy from Kashmir’s fertile fields.

The visit holds strategic importance against a backdrop of international volatility: US tussles with China and Russia, Iran’s precarious situation, and emerging UAE-Saudi tensions. India-UAE ties provide a beacon of reliability.

Trade figures tell a compelling story— bilateral exchanges crossed $100.06 billion in the current fiscal year, up 19.6%. This momentum spans energy security, defense pacts, tech innovations, and massive investments.

The relationship’s pinnacle was evident when PM Modi received the Order of Zayed in 2019. Today’s exchange of heirloom gifts reinforces a partnership that transcends commerce, embracing cultural synergy and long-term vision.