Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he has spoken with United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to condemn attacks on the Gulf state and convey condolences over the loss of life, signalling diplomatic solidarity at a time of heightened regional tension.In a message posted on social media, Modi described the UAE leader as “my brother” and said India stands firmly with the Emirates during what he called difficult times. The conversation, confirmed by officials in both capitals, comes amid mounting security concerns across parts of West Asia following a series of strikes and counter-strikes involving state and non-state actors.
The UAE authorities have stepped up security measures and reaffirmed their commitment to stability, while pledging that those responsible for attacks on civilian targets would be held accountable. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed has consistently maintained that the Emirates will respond within the framework of international law while seeking to prevent a wider conflagration in the region.
Modi’s outreach underscores the strategic depth of ties between New Delhi and Abu Dhabi. Over the past decade, relations have expanded well beyond energy trade to include defence cooperation, counter-terrorism coordination, food security initiatives and technology partnerships. The UAE hosts one of the largest overseas Indian communities, estimated at more than three million people, making stability in the Gulf a matter of economic and human significance.
Bilateral trade between the two countries has grown substantially since the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement came into force in 2022. The pact eliminated or reduced tariffs on a wide range of goods, contributing to a surge in non-oil trade. Officials have previously set an ambitious target of lifting bilateral trade to $100 billion within five years, and both sides have reported steady progress towards that goal.
Security analysts say attacks targeting the UAE carry implications that extend beyond national borders. The Emirates has positioned itself as a commercial and logistics hub linking Asia, Europe and Africa. Disruptions to its airports, ports or energy infrastructure could reverberate through global supply chains already strained by conflicts elsewhere in the region.
Although the full operational details of the attacks have not been disclosed publicly, past incidents in the Gulf have involved drone and missile strikes claimed by armed groups aligned with regional rivalries. The UAE has invested heavily in air defence systems and intelligence cooperation with international partners, including the United States and France, to counter such threats.
Modi’s statement reflects a pattern of high-level engagement during moments of crisis. In previous episodes of tension affecting the Gulf, New Delhi has moved quickly to reassure host governments while also monitoring the safety of its nationals. The Ministry of External Affairs has established communication channels with community organisations in the Emirates to assess any impact on residents.
Economic considerations also loom large. The UAE is among the largest suppliers of crude oil to India and a significant source of liquefied natural gas. Energy imports from the Gulf remain central to India’s consumption profile, even as the country diversifies supply and accelerates its renewable energy push. Any escalation that threatens shipping routes, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz, would heighten volatility in global oil markets.
Financial markets have been sensitive to geopolitical developments in West Asia. Investors track not only direct damage but also the risk of retaliatory action that could widen the conflict. The UAE’s sovereign wealth funds, including the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority and Mubadala Investment Company, maintain substantial investments across Asia and Europe, and uncertainty can influence capital flows.
Diplomatically, the relationship between Modi and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed has been marked by frequent visits and personal rapport. The UAE conferred its highest civilian honour, the Order of Zayed, on Modi in 2019, a gesture seen as emblematic of the warmth between the two governments. The two leaders have collaborated on initiatives ranging from infrastructure investment to cultural exchange, including the construction of the first traditional Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi.
Regional observers note that the Emirates has sought to balance firm security responses with efforts to de-escalate tensions through dialogue. It has maintained channels with a range of actors across the Middle East while strengthening defence ties with Western partners. This dual-track approach aims to safeguard its economic model, which relies on openness, tourism and international finance.