India-UAE trade crosses $100 billion; EAM Jaishankar calls for dialogue on Gulf situation

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Tuesday said India-UAE bilateral trade had crossed $100 billion since the signing of their Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). He also expressed concern over the situation in the Gulf and called for dialogue and diplomacy.

Welcoming UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan to Mumbai, EAM Jaishankar said the relationship was living up to its promise as a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership after more than a decade of sustained engagement.

Despite global headwinds and regional challenges, the economic partnership continued to set new benchmarks, he said. Growing two-way investments reflected businesses’ confidence in each other’s economies, while cooperation in defence, energy and technology was acquiring a strategic character.

EAM Jaishankar also highlighted expanding cultural cooperation and people-to-people ties.

“The situation in the Gulf remains a matter of deep concern. We will continue to work together and support all efforts to promote dialogue and diplomacy,” he said.

The EAM reiterated India’s support for the “free, safe and unimpeded flow of trade, energy, and fertilizer”.

He described 2026 as a year of exceptionally intensive leadership-level engagement. He recalled UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s visit to India in January and Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s participation in the AI Impact Summit in February and the 18th BRICS Summit.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi made his eighth visit to the UAE in May 2026, EAM Jaishankar noted.

He also thanked Sheikh Abdullah and the UAE leadership for ensuring the well-being of the Indian community in the country, welcoming the visiting minister to his “second home”.