UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to visit India on January 19, 2026, to boost strategic ties

Key facts

• UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan will visit India on Monday, January 19, at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
• The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated the visit will allow both leaders to “chart new frontiers” for the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
• This marks Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed’s third official visit since assuming office as United Arab Emirates (UAE) president and his fifth in the past decade.
• Bilateral trade between the two nations touched an all-time high of $100.06 billion in FY 2024–25.
• The UAE is currently India’s third-largest trading partner and the second-largest export destination, with exports crossing $36.63 billion in FY 2024-25.
• Relations are bolstered by the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), the Local Currency Settlement (SCS) system, and the Bilateral Investment Treaty.
• Defence cooperation between the nations now spans joint exercises and maritime dialogues, following a recent visit by India’s army chief to the UAE.
• India is set to take over the BRICS presidency in 2026, a grouping the UAE joined in its recent expansion phase.
• Indians constitute the largest expatriate group in the UAE, numbering about 4.3 million people, or roughly 35% of the population.
• The visit coincides with the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting in Davos, scheduled for January 19-23.