PM Modi's special airport welcome for UAE president's visit
What's the story
Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed United Arab Emirates (UAE) President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in New Delhi on Monday. The two leaders were seen hugging as PM Modi shared a post on X, saying he went to the airport "to welcome my brother." The visit, albeit brief since it lasted just three hours, is expected to allow both leaders to discuss mutual interests and global issues.
Twitter Post
PM Modi's social media post on greeting Sheikh Mohamed
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
Diplomatic significance
UAE President's visit amid regional tensions
The UAE president's visit comes amid rising tensions in West Asia, including strained Iran-US relations and the ongoing Gaza conflict. The Ministry of External Affairs said the visit was at PM Modi's invitation and continued the momentum of recent high-level engagements between India and the UAE. This is the third official visit of Sheikh Mohamed, or MBZ as he is popularly known, to India since he took office as president of the UAE.
Cultural exchange
PM Modi's thoughtful gifts to UAE President
During the visit, PM Modi presented Sheikh Mohamed with a royal carved wooden jhula from Gujarat, a symbol of togetherness in Gujarati culture. The Prime Minister also gifted him a Pashmina shawl from Kashmir, while the Kashmiri saffron was specifically mentioned as a gift for Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Al Ketbi, wife of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, founder of the UAE.
Bilateral ties
UAE President's visit follows recent high-level exchanges
The UAE president's visit comes after a series of high-level exchanges between Indian and UAE leaders. These exchanges have strengthened bilateral ties through agreements on economic cooperation, investment, and energy security. The visit is also significant as it comes amid major developments in West Asia, with the US President Donald Trump preparing to launch Phase 2 of the Gaza Peace Plan.