Raisina Middle East: Jaishankar visits UAE for second edition in Abu Dhabi
Why in the news
The Ministry of External Affairs announced on 14 October 2026 that External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar would visit the United Arab Emirates until Friday, 16 October, for the Raisina Middle East conference and bilateral talks.
Key facts
- Raisina Middle East: Jaishankar takes part in its second edition in Abu Dhabi; he had addressed the inaugural edition there last year.
- Bilateral talks: He meets UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan to review the India-UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, with trade and economic ties on the agenda.
- Regional backdrop: The visit comes amid West Asia tensions, including Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia. An attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on 10 October killed 13 people, including an Indian national.
- India’s stand: India condemned the attacks on civilian infrastructure in Saudi Arabia and called for them to stop immediately.
- Energy link: As per Kpler data, the UAE again became India’s top LPG supplier, with a 39% share of imports in September against 13% in August.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Visitor | EAM S. Jaishankar |
| Venue | Abu Dhabi, UAE |
| Event | 2nd Raisina Middle East |
| Counterpart | Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan |
| Partnership reviewed | Comprehensive Strategic Partnership |
About Raisina Middle East
The conference is hosted in Abu Dhabi; its first edition took place last year, when Jaishankar spoke at the inaugural session. Jaishankar has described the Middle East as India’s extended neighbourhood and a key passage to the wider world.
Exam angle
- Second Raisina Middle East venue: Abu Dhabi.
- India-UAE ties are framed as a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
- UAE Foreign Minister: Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan.