External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will visit the UAE from October 14 to 16 to review the India-UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, hold bilateral talks and participate in the Raisina Middle East dialogue amid regional tensions and expanding energy cooperation.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is scheduled to visit the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from October 14 to 16 to review the progress of the India-UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and participate in the second edition of the Raisina Middle East event in Abu Dhabi, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced on Wednesday.
According to the MEA, Jaishankar will hold bilateral discussions with his UAE counterpart during the three-day official visit. The meetings are expected to provide an opportunity to assess ongoing cooperation between the two countries and discuss ways to strengthen their strategic engagement across key sectors.
In a statement, the ministry said the External Affairs Minister would review the progress of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during his meeting with his counterpart. He will also participate in discussions at the Raisina Middle East event, which brings together participants to deliberate on regional and international developments.
The visit comes at a time of heightened uncertainty across the Middle East, with continuing conflict involving Iran and an escalation of tensions between Saudi Arabia and the Houthi movement in Yemen. The evolving security situation has increased the importance of diplomatic engagement and coordination among regional and international partners.
India and the UAE maintain extensive economic, energy and people-to-people ties. The UAE is an important destination for Indian professionals and businesses, while cooperation between the two countries covers trade, investment, energy security and regional affairs. Jaishankar’s discussions are expected to provide an opportunity to review these areas of cooperation amid the changing regional situation.
Indian Seafarers Rescued off UAE Coast
The visit also follows a recent incident involving the crude oil tanker MT Gem No. 2 off the coast of Ras Al Khaimah in the UAE. The Consulate General of India in Dubai confirmed on Sunday that all 22 Indian crew members aboard the vessel had been rescued and were safe.
In a statement shared on social media platform X, the consulate said it had learned of the incident and was in contact with UAE authorities to provide assistance and support to the Indian seafarers.
The incident highlighted the importance of coordination between Indian diplomatic missions and UAE authorities in ensuring the safety and welfare of Indian nationals working in the maritime sector.
Meanwhile, Indian pilot Smit Machchhar, who was reported to have intervened during an onboard confrontation involving a co-pilot on a Flydubai flight FZ1073, is recovering in a hospital in Abu Dhabi. Reports said his actions helped protect the 174 people aboard the aircraft. His recovery has drawn attention to the challenges faced by aviation personnel and the importance of passenger safety.
UAE Regains Position as India’s Leading LPG Supplier
Energy cooperation is another important dimension of India-UAE relations. Recent trade data compiled by maritime intelligence firm Kpler showed that the UAE regained its position as India’s leading supplier of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in September, after the United States had held the top position for six months.
According to the data, the UAE accounted for 39 per cent of India’s LPG imports in September, compared with 13 per cent in August. Shipments from the UAE increased to 547,000 tonnes from 193,000 tonnes in the previous month, representing a rise of approximately 182 per cent.
In contrast, LPG shipments from the United States declined by 58 per cent, falling from 323,000 tonnes in August to around 135,000 tonnes in September. The US share of India’s total LPG imports consequently dropped from 53 per cent to 23 per cent.
The shifts in supply patterns come amid disruptions and uncertainty affecting energy transportation through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for shipments from Gulf producers. India imports around 60 per cent of its LPG requirements, with Gulf countries historically accounting for a substantial share of supplies transported through the strategic waterway.
The latest figures underline the UAE’s continuing importance to India’s energy security and the need for reliable supply chains amid regional instability.
Focus on Regional Stability and Bilateral Cooperation
Jaishankar’s visit is expected to reinforce diplomatic engagement between New Delhi and Abu Dhabi while providing an opportunity to review cooperation in energy, trade and other strategic areas. His participation in the Raisina Middle East event will also offer a platform to discuss broader regional and international challenges.
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With security concerns, maritime safety and energy supply chains remaining central issues, the visit comes at a significant time for both countries. The discussions will focus on the progress of the bilateral partnership and opportunities to sustain cooperation in a changing geopolitical environment.
