Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended a culturally significant welcome to UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan during his state visit to New Delhi on January 19, 2026. The Emirati leader, received at the Palam Air Base, was presented with carefully curated gifts symbolizing India’s diverse craftsmanship and cultural heritage.
At the Prime Minister’s official residence, Modi presented a hand-carved wooden swing from Gujarat, known locally as a ‘Jhula.’ This intricately designed piece, featuring traditional floral patterns, represents familial bonding and intergenerational conversation—a theme particularly resonant given the UAE’s declaration of 2026 as the ‘Year of Family.’
The second significant gift was a premium Pashmina shawl from Kashmir, meticulously crafted from fine wool and presented in an ornate silver box manufactured in Telangana. Prime Minister Modi personally assisted the UAE President in wearing the shawl, after which both leaders were photographed conversing warmly while seated on the Gujarati swing.
In a thoughtful gesture extending to the UAE first family, Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Al Ketbi, the President’s mother, received a similar Pashmina shawl alongside premium Kashmiri saffron, renowned for its distinctive crimson color and intense aroma, also presented in decorative silver packaging.
This visit marked Sheikh Mohamed’s third official trip to India since assuming presidency and his fifth overall in the past decade, underscoring the deepening diplomatic engagement between the two nations. The bilateral discussions focused on strengthening strategic partnerships across multiple sectors including economic cooperation, technological innovation, artificial intelligence, renewable energy initiatives, and food security. The meetings concluded with the signing of several Memoranda of Understanding, further cementing the comprehensive strategic partnership between India and the UAE.
The UAE delegation included several high-ranking officials including Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai; Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Foreign Minister; and numerous other ministers and senior government representatives.