Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar engaged in high-level discussions with UAE leadership on April 12, 2026, focusing on economic and energy ties, as well as the welfare of the four-million-strong Indian community in the UAE. He met with President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan to address these critical issues.
Jaishankar’s visit follows that of India’s Petroleum Minister Hardeep Puri to Qatar. These visits occurred during a two-week ceasefire in the Iran-US conflict, a crucial period for assessing energy security and regional stability. The UAE is a significant supplier of oil and gas to India, ranking as the fifth-largest source of crude imports and the third-largest for LPG and petroleum products.
During his meetings, Jaishankar conveyed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s gratitude for the UAE’s support of the Indian community during challenging times. Discussions also covered the evolving regional situation, including the impact of Iranian missile attacks on the UAE and the strategic relations between the two nations.
The bilateral talks come at a time of heightened tensions in West Asia. With Qatar being India’s largest supplier of LNG and LPG, the stability of the region is of paramount importance. The ceasefire between Iran and the US, although temporary, provides a window for diplomatic engagement and strategic planning.
As senior Iranian and US officials held talks in Islamabad without significant breakthroughs, Jaishankar’s engagement with UAE leaders underscores India’s commitment to maintaining stability and strengthening ties in a region critical to its energy security.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, April 13, 2026
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