Jaishankar holds talks with UAE Foreign Minister in Mumbai; says the situation in West Asia is of “deep concern”

Union External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar with UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Mumbai, Maharashtra. | Photo credit: PTI

The situation in West Asia remains a matter of “deep concern” and India will support all efforts to promote peace through dialogue and diplomacy, Foreign Minister S Jaishankar said on Tuesday (Oct 20, 2026) during talks with his UAE counterpart Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Mr Al Nahyan, who is also the Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE, landed in Mumbai on Monday evening (October 19, 2026) for a two-day visit. His trip to India comes amid a new wave of attacks on Saudi Arabia allegedly by Houthi militants.

In his televised opening remarks at the meeting, Mr. Jaishankar also mentioned how the India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) has significantly strengthened bilateral trade and economic ties.

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

My opening remarks during a meeting with DPM & FM @ABZayed of UAE. 🇮🇳 🇦🇪 https://t.co/BkVUV6xRQY

—Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) October 20, 2026

“We continue to support the free, safe and unhindered flow of trade, energy and fertilisers. I would also like to thank you and through your UAE leadership for ensuring the well-being of the Indian community in the UAE,” he said.

Mr Jaishankar also noted that despite global headwinds and regional challenges, the economic partnership between the two countries continues to set “new benchmarks”. “Bilateral trade has crossed the $100 billion mark since CEPA was signed, and two-way investment continues to grow, reflecting the confidence our businesses have in each other’s economies,” he said.

“Cooperation in defense, energy and technology is becoming strategic. Our people-to-people ties continue to enrich the lives of our communities. Our cultural partnership is also gaining strength,” he said.

After New Delhi and Abu Dhabi signed the CEPA in 2022, there has been a significant upswing in bilateral trade and people-to-people relations.

The two countries are among the other’s leading trade and investment partners, supported by CEPA, a local currency settlement system, and a bilateral investment treaty.

Published – 20 Oct 2026 15:32 IST