India and UAE Discuss West Asia Stability and Trade

Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan held high-level talks in India on October 20, 2026, to review the India-UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The discussions focused on escalating instability in West Asia and the Gulf, which Jaishankar described as a matter of "deep concern." He specifically emphasized the necessity of maintaining the "free, safe and unimpeded flow of trade, energy and fertiliser" amid disruptions caused by Houthi attacks.

Economic cooperation remained a central pillar of the visit. Both leaders noted that bilateral trade has exceeded $100 billion since the 2022 signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, with a shared target to reach $200 billion by 2032. The ministers expressed satisfaction with progress across defense, energy, and technology sectors.

In Mumbai, the bilateral discussions expanded into a trilateral meeting involving US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The three officials discussed international security developments, investment, and the role of artificial intelligence and technology. This diplomatic engagement follows a previous visit by Jaishankar to the UAE from October 14 to 16, where he participated in the Raisina Middle East Dialogue in Abu Dhabi.