The Crown Prince of Dubai and UAE Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum came in India on Tuesday for his first formal visit, and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said he was delighted to welcome him.

“Happy to welcome Crown Prince of Dubai and DPM & Minister of Defence of UAE HH Sheikh Hamdan Mohammed, at the beginning of his first official visit to India,” External Affairs Minister (EAM) Jaishankar said on social networking site X on Tuesday. Appreciate his kind words on our extensive collaboration and strong relationships.”

Since this is Sheikh Hamdan’s first official visit to India in his current role as the Crown Prince of Dubai, it represents a crucial turning point in the two countries’ bilateral ties.

The visit, which is accompanied by a high-level group that includes numerous ministers, senior government officials, and prominent business executives, demonstrates the expanding relationship between India and the United Arab Emirates.

The Crown Prince will meet with EAM Jaishankar, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who will also host a working lunch for him.

Strengthening bilateral cooperation in a number of areas, including as commerce, cultural exchanges, and defence, is anticipated to be the main topic of these talks.

The Crown Prince will visit Mumbai after his stay in Delhi, where he will participate in a business roundtable with prominent businesspeople and industrialists from both countries. The goal of this engagement is to strengthen India-UAE trade and economic ties, especially in established and developing industries.

“Dubai has historically been a significant player in India’s trade, cultural, and interpersonal interactions with the United Arab Emirates. The majority of the approximately 4.3 million Indians who live and work in the UAE do so in Dubai. According to a statement released by the MEA, “His Highness the Crown Prince’s visit will further solidify the India-UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and strengthen our multifaceted ties with Dubai.”

Sheikh Hamdan received the invitation directly from EAM Jaishankar during his most recent visit to the UAE in January 2025, strengthening the two countries’ diplomatic ties.