New Delhi [India], January 19 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, and his family at his residence at Lok Kalyan Marg as the UAE leader continued his official visit to India. During the meeting, the Prime Minister presented traditional Indian gifts to the visiting dignitaries.
PM Modi gifted the UAE President a royal carved wooden Jhula (swing), a beautifully crafted wooden swing from Gujarat that is central to many Gujarati family homes. Hand-carved with intricate floral and traditional designs, the Jhula showcases India’s skilled craftsmanship. In Gujarati culture, the Jhula symbolizes togetherness, conversation, and bonding across generations. The gift also resonates with the UAE’s declaration of 2026 as the Year of Family.
Additionally, PM Modi presented the UAE President a Pashmina shawl in an ornate silver box. The shawl, made by hand from fine Kashmiri wool, is soft, light, and warm. The decorative silver box was crafted in Telangana. Together, they highlight India’s rich tradition of handloom and handicraft.
Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Al Ketbi also received a Pashmina shawl in a silver box, along with Kashmiri saffron, renowned for its deep crimson strands and intense aroma, presented in another ornate silver box.
Earlier in the day, PM Modi received Sheikh Mohamed at Delhi Airport. The two leaders traveled together from the airport in the same car. Welcoming the UAE President, PM Modi shared a post on X, stating, “Went to the airport to welcome my brother, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE. His visit illustrates the importance he attaches to a strong India-UAE friendship. Looking forward to our discussions.” Photographs shared by the Prime Minister included images of the leaders seated in the car and embracing warmly.
The Ministry of External Affairs noted that the visit, held at PM Modi’s invitation, builds on strong momentum from recent high-level engagements. These include the September 2024 visit of Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, and the April 2025 visit of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE and Crown Prince of Dubai.
The visit occurs amid heightened tensions in West Asia, including strained Iran-US relations, continued instability in Gaza, and the unresolved Yemen conflict involving Saudi Arabia and the UAE. It also coincides with developments in the Gaza Peace Plan, with US President Trump preparing to launch Phase 2, aimed at establishing a National Committee for the Administration of Gaza.
This marks Sheikh Mohamed’s third official visit to India since becoming UAE President and his fifth visit to the country in the past decade, underscoring the continuity of high-level engagement between New Delhi and Abu Dhabi. (ANI)
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