PM Modi’s Rare Gesture: Airport Pickup & Hugs For UAE President Al Nahyan

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed visited India for two hours, met PM Modi, and discussed strategic, economic, and regional security ties.

By : Ritwik Dutta | Updated at : 19 Jan 2026 05:35 PM (IST)

Uae president sheikh mohamed bin zayed pm modi hugs visit india 2026 PM Modi’s Rare Gesture: Airport Pickup & Hugs For UAE President Al Nahyan

Al Nahyan’s short visit comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East.

Source : ANI

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Key points generated by AI, verified by newsroom

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan visited New Delhi.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the UAE President.
Discussions covered trade, energy, investment, and regional security.
Visit occurs amid significant Middle East geopolitical tensions.

United Arab Emirates (UAE) President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan arrived in New Delhi on Monday for a brief two-hour visit to India. Upon his arrival, he was received by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who highlighted that the visit is to reflect the importance India places on its strong bilateral ties with the UAE. “Went to the airport to welcome my brother, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE. Looking forward to our discussions,” PM Modi wrote on X (formerly Twitter), sharing photographs of the meeting.

توجهتُ إلى المطار لاستقبال أخي، صاحب السمو الشيخ محمد بن زايد آل نهيان، رئيس دولة الإمارات العربية المتحدة. تُجسّد زيارته الأهمية التي يوليها لعلاقات الصداقة المتينة بين الهند والإمارات. أتطلع إلى مباحثاتنا.@MohamedBinZayed pic.twitter.com/O5R1tOxjAU
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 19, 2026

Middle East Tensions Shadow Al Nahyan

Al Nahyan’s short visit comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East. Iran has been witnessing massive protests that have claimed at least 5,000 lives, while the United States has threatened Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Hosseini Khamenei, calling for regime change and deploying an aircraft carrier to the region. Iran has warned the US of retaliation in case of a strike. Meanwhile, regional tensions are also simmering between Saudi Arabia and the UAE over the ongoing conflict in Yemen, adding complexity to the Gulf’s security situation.

Analysts say Al Nahyan’s visit aims to reinforce India-UAE strategic and economic ties while navigating a volatile geopolitical environment. During the meeting, discussions are expected to focus on trade, energy, investment, and regional security issues

Frequently Asked Questions

Who visited New Delhi and who received them?

The President of the UAE, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, visited New Delhi. He was received by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Why is the UAE President's visit considered significant?

The visit underscores the importance India places on its strong bilateral ties with the UAE. It also occurs amidst heightened regional tensions in the Middle East.

What topics were expected to be discussed during the visit?

Discussions were expected to focus on trade, energy, investment, and regional security issues between India and the UAE.

About the author Ritwik Dutta

Ritwik Dutta is a Senior Copy Editor at ABP Live English, who blends an engineer’s precision with a reporter’s instinct. With a background in data and analytics, he delivers evidence-driven, real-time coverage of key national and global developments, breaking down complex subjects into clear, engaging stories that make information more accessible and strengthen public understanding.

For tips and queries, write to ritwikd@abpnetwork.com.