Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit UAE on way back from France trip

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will travel to the United Arab Emirates on July 15, following his France trip on July 13-14, amid strengthening ties with the oil-rich West Asian country.

It will be Modi’s fifth visit to the UAE since 2015. A reliable counterterrorism partner, the UAE is also playing an important role in the conduct of India-Russia trade through its banks. Modi had earlier visited the UAE in June 2022, August 2019, February 2018 and August 2015. His upcoming visit will also underscore the emerging trilateral between India, the UAE and France, said people aware of the matter.

During his visit in June last year,Modi met the UAE President and ruler of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to express condolences on the passing of former president Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement signed between India and the UAE last year has played a pivotal role in boosting bilateral trade, in terms of exports of both oil and non-oil products. The trade volume between the two nations increased 16 per cent year-on-year to a record $84.5 billion in 2022-23 from $72.9 in the previous financial year.


Defence partnership between India and the UAE has witnessed steady growth. Regular exchanges at the highest levels, including service chiefs, functional-level engagements and military education exchanges have further strengthened bilateral defence cooperation.

India and the UAE have regularly conducted joint naval exercises and port calls, fostering mutual trust and camaraderie among their armed forces. An annual defence dialogue provides a platform to discuss and enhance security and defence cooperation between the two countries.