NEW DELHI / MUMBAI, October 20, 2026 : External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Tuesday described the deteriorating situation in West Asia as a matter of “deep concern,” reaffirming India’s commitment to supporting all efforts aimed at restoring peace through dialogue and diplomacy.
Jaishankar made the remarks during talks with United Arab Emirates Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who is visiting India for two days. The discussions come amid heightened regional tensions and reports of a fresh wave of attacks on Saudi Arabia attributed to Houthi militants.
The meeting underscored India’s focus on regional stability, uninterrupted trade and energy supplies, and the continued strengthening of its strategic partnership with the UAE.
INDIA CALLS FOR DIALOGUE AND DIPLOMACY
Addressing the meeting, Jaishankar stressed that the situation in the Gulf remained deeply concerning and said India would continue working with the UAE to support initiatives promoting peace and diplomatic engagement.
India’s position reflects its longstanding emphasis on resolving regional disputes through dialogue while encouraging stability across a region that is strategically important for global energy markets and international trade.
Jaishankar also highlighted the need to ensure the free, safe and uninterrupted movement of trade, energy and fertilisers, warning of the wider importance of protecting essential supply chains amid regional instability.
UAE THANKED FOR SUPPORTING INDIAN COMMUNITY
The External Affairs Minister expressed appreciation to the UAE leadership for safeguarding the welfare of the Indian community living in the Gulf nation.
Millions of Indians live and work across the Gulf region, making regional security and stability particularly important for India. Their contribution to the UAE’s economy and the strong people-to-people connections between the two countries remain important pillars of bilateral relations.
Jaishankar’s remarks highlighted the importance New Delhi attaches to the safety and well-being of Indian nationals overseas, particularly during periods of heightened regional tension.
INDIA-UAE TRADE CROSSES USD 100 BILLION
Alongside regional security, the two leaders discussed the growing economic relationship between India and the UAE.
Jaishankar said bilateral trade had crossed the USD 100 billion mark since the signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), reflecting the expansion of commercial ties between the two countries.
Signed in 2022, the CEPA has helped strengthen trade and economic cooperation by improving market access and facilitating business opportunities. Two-way investments have also continued to grow, reflecting increased confidence among businesses in both economies.
Despite global economic uncertainties and regional challenges, Jaishankar said the partnership continued to set new benchmarks.
DEFENCE, ENERGY AND TECHNOLOGY EMERGE AS STRATEGIC PILLARS
The External Affairs Minister noted that cooperation in defence, energy and technology was increasingly acquiring strategic importance.
India and the UAE have broadened their engagement beyond traditional trade, with cooperation extending across investment, infrastructure, technology and other sectors. Their partnership is also supported by a local currency settlement system and a bilateral investment treaty.
Cultural cooperation and people-to-people exchanges continue to strengthen relations between the two countries, with communities, businesses and institutions contributing to closer ties.
REGIONAL INSTABILITY ADDS URGENCY TO TALKS
Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan arrived in Mumbai on Monday night for his two-day visit, at a time when developments in West Asia have raised concerns about regional security and the potential disruption of trade and energy supplies.
Reports of attacks on Saudi Arabia attributed to Houthi militants have added to the uncertainty. Any further escalation could have implications beyond the immediate region, particularly for energy markets, shipping routes and countries with strong economic and community links to the Gulf.
India’s engagement with the UAE is therefore significant both diplomatically and economically, given the two countries’ shared interest in regional stability and secure commercial connections.
INDIA REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO PEACE AND STRONGER TIES
Jaishankar’s statement reflects India’s dual priorities: encouraging dialogue and diplomacy to ease tensions in West Asia while protecting trade, energy flows and the interests of Indian nationals in the region.
At the same time, the continued expansion of India-UAE trade and cooperation demonstrates the growing strategic depth of their relationship.
As regional tensions persist, New Delhi has reiterated its support for peaceful diplomatic efforts, while both countries continue to strengthen the economic, security and cultural foundations of their partnership.
