Jaishankar Meets Ras Al Khaimah Ruler, Discusses Bilateral Ties and Gulf Situation
External Affairs Minister discusses regional developments and ways to deepen bilateral cooperation with Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi during his UAE visit.
ABU DHABI, Oct 16: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday met Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, the Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah and a member of the United Arab Emirates’ Supreme Council, to discuss bilateral relations and the evolving situation in the Gulf region.
Jaishankar is visiting the UAE to review progress in the India-UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and explore opportunities to strengthen cooperation across key sectors.
Describing the meeting as an honour, the minister said in a post on X that he valued Sheikh Saud’s insights on expanding engagement between the two countries and strengthening India’s relations with the wider region. The discussions also covered developments in the Gulf.
Ras Al Khaimah is one of the seven emirates that constitute the UAE. Situated in the northern part of the country, it shares a border with Oman and has a coastline along the Gulf, placing it close to the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.
Earlier on Wednesday, Jaishankar held talks with UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The two leaders exchanged views on bilateral relations and international developments.
India and the UAE have steadily broadened their partnership in recent years, with cooperation spanning trade, investment, energy, defence and security. Their growing economic relationship has also created opportunities for businesses and investors in both countries.
A key milestone was the implementation of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) in May 2022. The agreement established a framework to facilitate trade, improve market access and strengthen economic cooperation between the two countries.
The UAE remains a significant partner for India in the Gulf, serving as an important source of energy supplies and investment while hosting millions of Indian nationals. The large expatriate community also contributes to longstanding people-to-people connections and economic ties.
According to the Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi, Indians constitute the largest expatriate community in the UAE, representing approximately 35 per cent of its population. Around 4.3 million Indian nationals were residing in the country in 2024.
Jaishankar’s engagements during the visit reflect India’s continued efforts to strengthen strategic relations with the UAE while maintaining dialogue on regional security and developments affecting the Gulf.
