What Did India's Jaishankar Discuss with UAE's Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi?

During his recent visit to Abu Dhabi, India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met with Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi to discuss strengthening bilateral relations and the Gulf situation. This visit aims to review the progress of the India-UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, highlighting the importance of cooperation in trade, investment, and security. With a significant Indian expatriate community in the UAE, the discussions are pivotal for enhancing ties between the two nations. Read on to learn more about the outcomes of this important meeting.

By Narendra Chaudhary Oct 16, 2026, 17:34 IST

Strengthening India-UAE Relations

Abu Dhabi: On Friday, India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held discussions with Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, the Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah and a member of the UAE's Supreme Council, focusing on enhancing bilateral relations and the current situation in the Gulf region.

Jaishankar, who arrived in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday for a three-day visit, aimed to assess the progress of the India-UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

In a post shared on X, Jaishankar expressed, "It was an honor to meet HH Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, the Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah & member of the UAE Supreme Council."

He added, "I appreciate his insights on further strengthening India-UAE ties and deepening engagements with the region. We also discussed the Gulf situation."

An honour to meet HH Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, the Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah & member of the UAE Supreme Council.

Grateful for his insights on further strengthening ties, and deepening engagements with the region. The situation in the Gulf also came up for discussion. https://t.co/N0hL5R3Pd2

— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) October 16, 2026

Ras Al Khaimah, one of the seven emirates of the UAE, is situated at the northernmost point of the nation. This emirate shares its international border with Oman and lies along the Gulf coast, adjacent to the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

Earlier on Wednesday, Jaishankar also met with his UAE counterpart, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, where they exchanged views on various bilateral and global matters.

In recent years, India and the UAE have significantly enhanced their cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, energy, defense, and security.

The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which took effect in May 2022, has established a framework to boost trade and economic collaboration between the two nations.

The UAE serves as a crucial partner for India in the Gulf, hosting a large Indian expatriate community and being a vital source of energy and investment.

According to the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi, the Indian expatriate community is the largest ethnic group in the UAE, making up about 35% of the population. As of 2024, there were approximately 4.3 million Indian nationals residing in the UAE.