Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai, in a high-level meeting aimed at strengthening the India-UAE Strategic Partnership. This marked Sheikh Hamdan’s first official visit to India, accompanied by senior ministers and a top-tier business delegation.
Major Announcements to Boost Economic & Educational Ties
During the visit, a series of transformational initiatives were unveiled:
- IIM Ahmedabad’s first international campus in Dubai, launching its MBA programme in September 2025.
- IIFT’s first overseas campus at the India Pavilion in Expo City Dubai.
- Launch of Bharat Mart—a mega complex to promote Indian exports globally, with a 3D rendering of the structure revealed.
- Allocation of land for the India-UAE Friendship Hospital, a 100-bed facility in Dubai to support affordable healthcare for the Indian diaspora.
- Launch of the India Office of Dubai Chamber of Commerce, boosting trade and business interactions.
Defence, Trade & Culture Strengthened
PM Modi hosted Sheikh Hamdan for a working lunch at Lok Kalyan Marg and expressed gratitude for the UAE’s warm hospitality and care for over 4.3 million Indians living in the UAE.
Both leaders emphasized continued cooperation under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, especially in areas like defence, education, trade, and digital economy.
The Crown Prince also met Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, EAM S. Jaishankar, and Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, discussing ways to enhance security ties and build stronger economic links under the CEPA (Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement).
Infrastructure, Shipping & Trade Corridor Highlights
- An MoU was signed between Cochin Shipyard Ltd and Drydocks World (a DP World company) to build ship repair clusters in Kochi and Vadinar, bringing global standards to India’s maritime infrastructure.
- Progress on the Virtual Trade Corridor (VTC), a digital initiative enhancing bilateral trade, was appreciated.
- India reaffirmed commitment to the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC).
Symbolic Moments & Cultural Recognition
In a touching gesture, Sheikh Hamdan presented PM Modi with a replica of his grandfather Sheikh Rashid’s traditional bisht—symbolizing the historic and generational ties between the two nations. He also presented a newspaper article highlighting his father’s heroism in saving Indian Airlines Flight 421 passengers in 1984.
PM Modi also extended good wishes for the Crown Prince’s newborn daughter, Hind bint Hamdan.
Shared Vision for a Bright Future
With trade projected to cross USD 97 billion, these new announcements aim to push the non-oil trade target of USD 100 billion over the finish line.
The UAE Crown Prince summed it up perfectly on X:
“Our conversations reaffirmed the strength of UAE-India ties built on trust, shaped by history, and driven by a shared vision of innovation and lasting prosperity.”
India-UAE relations are now more than just strategic—they’re personal, cultural, and built for the future.
