The Crown Prince of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, arrived in India on Tuesday for a two-day official visit at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This marks his first visit to the country in his capacity as Crown Prince.
During his stay, Sheikh Hamdan will hold high-level discussions with Prime Minister Modi, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. Accompanying him is a high-powered delegation comprising key UAE ministers, senior government officials, and prominent business leaders, underscoring the expanding scope and depth of India-UAE ties.
One of the key highlights of the visit will be a working lunch hosted by Prime Minister Modi on April 8. The leaders are expected to engage in wide-ranging discussions on bolstering economic cooperation, particularly under the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which has significantly boosted trade since its launch.
The agenda includes exploring opportunities in trade, energy collaboration, digital partnerships, and cultural exchange. With bilateral trade crossing $85 billion in the fiscal year 2023–24, both nations are eager to build upon this momentum. Investment opportunities in infrastructure—especially in renewable energy, ports, smart cities, and logistics—will also feature prominently in the talks.
Following his engagements in New Delhi, the Crown Prince will travel to Mumbai from April 8 to 9. There, he is scheduled to attend a business roundtable with top Indian and Emirati business leaders, aimed at fostering collaboration in technology, innovation, and the startup ecosystem.
India, one of the world’s fastest-growing major economies, and the UAE, a critical trade and logistics hub, have increasingly aligned their interests in recent years. From defense cooperation to digital innovation, the bilateral relationship has evolved into a comprehensive strategic partnership.
