Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled Pays Tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat, Strengthening India-UAE Relations

Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan visited Rajghat to pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi and met with PM Modi to discuss ways to deepen India-UAE ties. The visit featured key discussions on strategic partnerships and new cooperation avenues.

Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled Bin Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi by laying a wreath at Rajghat on Monday. Following this, he signed the visitors' book at the memorial. The visit to Rajghat took place after his meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, where the leaders discussed the multi-faceted bilateral relations between India and the UAE.

In an X post, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized the strengthening ties between India and the UAE. He noted, "India-UAE ties are taking greater strides! PM @narendramodi met with HH Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi today. The two leaders discussed the multifaceted India-UAE relations and avenues to broaden the comprehensive strategic partnership to new and emerging areas." Several notable Indian officials, including Union Ministers Hardeep Singh Puri and Piyush Goyal, as well as National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, attended the meeting.

Prime Minister Modi extended a warm welcome to Sheikh Khaled at Hyderabad House, where the leaders exchanged a heartfelt hug and interacted before proceeding to more formal discussions. Sheikh Khaled arrived in New Delhi on September 8 for his first official visit to India, as confirmed by the Ministry of External Affairs. Union Minister Piyush Goyal greeted the Crown Prince upon his arrival and escorted him to a ceremonial welcome.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal described the visit as "a new milestone in a historic relationship," noting Sheikh Khaled's first official visit to India. In photos shared on X, Piyush Goyal could be seen warmly greeting Sheikh Khaled, highlighting the ceremonial reception accorded to the Crown Prince. Sheikh Khaled's visit, scheduled for September 9-10, follows an invitation from PM Modi.

During his stay in India, Sheikh Khaled is also expected to call on President Droupadi Murmu and revisit Rajghat to honor Mahatma Gandhi. Additionally, he will travel to Mumbai to participate in a Business Forum involving industry leaders from both nations. The Ministry of External Affairs emphasized that the ongoing strategic partnership between India and UAE has expanded significantly, covering sectors such as politics, trade, investment, connectivity, energy, technology, education, and cultural exchange.

"The Crown Prince's visit will further reinforce the strong India-UAE bilateral relations and open new avenues for partnership in emerging areas," the MEA said. Earlier in February, PM Modi visited UAE, holding discussions with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on bilateral matters and signing eight agreements. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)