UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan reached New Delhi on Monday for an official visit to India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally welcomed him at the Delhi airport, underlining the close ties between the two leaders and their countries.

The visit comes at a time of rising tensions in West Asia, giving added significance to the high-level engagement between India and the United Arab Emirates.

Warm Welcome by PM Modi

In a rare and symbolic gesture, Prime Minister Modi received the UAE President at the airport himself. After the welcome, the two leaders also travelled together from the airport, reflecting the strong personal rapport they share.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, Sheikh Mohamed’s visit is taking place at the invitation of Prime Minister Modi. The ministry said the trip builds on the positive momentum created by frequent high-level interactions between India and the UAE in recent years.

PM Modi Highlights Strong Friendship

Prime Minister Modi described the visit as an example of the importance the UAE places on its relationship with India. Sharing a message on X, he wrote, “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,”

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.@MohamedBinZayed pic.twitter.com/Os3FRvVrBc

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 19, 2026

Short Visit With Key Talks Planned

The UAE President’s visit to India is expected to last around two hours. During this time, he is scheduled to hold bilateral discussions with Prime Minister Modi later in the evening. The talks are likely to focus on strengthening cooperation across key areas of mutual interest.

Frequent High-Level Engagements

Monday’s visit marks Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s third official trip to India since becoming President of the UAE. It is also his fifth visit to the country over the past ten years, highlighting the growing depth and consistency of India-UAE relations.