UAE President Sheikh Mohamed lands in India for Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit

The UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan reached the Indian city of Ahmedabad on Tuesday to take part in the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2024. He arrived in the evening and was received by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the airport.

The Indian leader, who reportedly enjoys a warm rapport with the UAE President, welcomed him on social media platform X and said, “Welcome to India my brother HH Mohamed bin Zayed. It’s an honour to have you with us.”

Welcome to India my brother, HH @MohamedBinZayed. It’s an honour to have you visit us. pic.twitter.com/Oj7zslR5oq

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 9, 2024

The UAE President was accorded a ceremonial guard of honour upon his arrival. He and PM Modi then participated in a 3 kilometre-long parade from the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport to Gandhinagar city, the location of the investors’ summit.

Streets were lined by posters and hoardings welcoming Sheikh Mohamed to the state of Gujarat. Indians, young and old, lined up along the road waving flags to greet the two leaders.

The people of Ahmedabad gave a warm welcome to HH @MohamedBinZayed. pic.twitter.com/vo1uCUL3CI

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 9, 2024

The UAE President wrote on his account of meeting PM Modi and exploring ways to boost economic growth.

Today I met with Indian Prime Minister @narendramodi in Ahmedabad to further cement the strong ties that unite our two nations. The partnership between India and the UAE continues to flourish and our talks today explored ways to boost collaboration that will support economic… pic.twitter.com/udGMeV5Wom

— محمد بن زايد (@MohamedBinZayed) January 9, 2024

Along with Sheikh Mohamed, the UAE Minister of State for Trade Dr Thani Al Zeyoudi will also take part in the summit, and is accompanied by a delegation from the country’s business community.

Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit

The Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit will take place in Gandhinagar, from January 10 until January 12.

The 10th edition of the summit is themed ‘Gateway to the Future’ and will see 34 countries participate along with 16 partner organisations.

The event will host seminars and talks on global issues including industry, innovation, sustainable manufacturing, green hydrogen, electric mobility, renewable energy and space technology.

Global leaders will hold bilateral meetings with their counterparts as well as meet leaders of top global businesses.

The summit is the brainchild of the Indian PM and was launched in 2004 during his time as the chief minister of the state of Gujarat.

The summit has since evolved into a global platform and, which has seen participation from 135 countries and more than 2,000 exhibitors. It has helped the state attract $55bn billion in foreign direct investments over the last two decades, according to reports in the Indian media.

Landed in Ahmedabad a short while ago. Over the next two days, will be taking part in the Vibrant Gujarat Summit and related programmes. It is a matter of immense joy that various world leaders will be joining us during this Summit. The coming of my brother, HH @MohamedBinZayed… pic.twitter.com/Ygaajg4TfM

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 8, 2024

UAE-India ties

Sheikh Mohamed last visited India in September 2023 for the G20 meet in New Delhi.

The G20 summit saw the announcement of a landmark trade deal called the India-Middle East-Europe shipping and railway connectivity corridor. The trade corridor proposes to connect India, to the EU via the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

The trade deal follows a successful first year of commerce following the UAE-India Comprehensive Economic Partnership (CEPA). The CEPA, in effect since 2021, has delivered $50bn worth of non-oil trade between the two countries, as per figures released by the UAE Ministry of Economy.

Bilateral visits

The Indian PM will return the courtesy of the visit and is scheduled to travel to Abu Dhabi in February to inaugurate the BAPS Hindu Temple and attend a community event at Zayed Stadium.