New Delhi, April 8 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai, and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in New Delhi on Tuesday, emphasizing that Dubai has played a crucial role in advancing the India-UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

During the meeting, Prime Minister Modi hosted a working lunch for the esteemed guest, who arrived in New Delhi earlier in the day at the Prime Minister's invitation.

After the meeting, Prime Minister Modi shared on X, "It was wonderful to meet HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai. Dubai has significantly contributed to the advancement of the India-UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. This important visit strengthens our longstanding friendship and opens avenues for deeper collaboration in the future."

This visit marks Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Al Maktoum's inaugural official trip to India as the Crown Prince of Dubai. He is accompanied by a delegation of ministers, senior officials, and a high-level business entourage.

After the meeting, the Crown Prince remarked on X, "I had a delightful meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi today in New Delhi. Our discussions reaffirmed the robust ties between the UAE and India, founded on trust, shaped by history, and driven by a shared vision for a future filled with opportunities, innovation, and enduring prosperity."

Additionally, the Crown Prince had discussions with External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.

EAM Jaishankar expressed, "I am pleased to welcome the Crown Prince of Dubai and Deputy Prime Minister & Minister of Defence of the UAE, HH Hamdan Mohammed, as he begins his first official visit to India. I appreciate his positive sentiments towards our extensive cooperation and vibrant relations."

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also highlighted the productive discussions held with the Crown Prince.

Singh stated, "The Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with the UAE holds significant importance for India. In the upcoming years, we look forward to close collaboration in areas like defence cooperation, co-production, co-development projects, innovation, and technology. Both India and the UAE are committed to fostering peace and prosperity in the region."

Following his stay in Delhi, the Crown Prince will travel to Mumbai, where he will engage in a business roundtable with leading business figures from both nations. This interaction aims to enhance economic and commercial cooperation between India and the UAE across both traditional and innovative sectors.

Historically, Dubai has been pivotal in facilitating India's commercial, cultural, and people-to-people exchanges with the UAE. A significant portion of India's approximately 4.3 million expatriates in the UAE reside and work in Dubai. The visit of His Highness the Crown Prince will further reinforce the India-UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and enhance our multifaceted connections with Dubai," stated a release from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).