The Crossbill Team
India stepped up diplomatic outreach in West Asia following the recent ceasefire between the United States and Iran, with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar holding high-level talks with UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed in Abu Dhabi on Saturday (April 11).
The visit marked Jaishankar’s first engagement in the Gulf region after the two-week US-Iran ceasefire came into force and reflected New Delhi’s effort to closely monitor shifting regional dynamics.
The meeting coincided with the launch of the first direct US-Iran negotiations since 1979, which began in Islamabad on the same day. Abu Dhabi was chosen as the first stop of the foreign minister’s regional tour, signalling the strategic importance India attaches to its ties with the United Arab Emirates.
Soon after the ceasefire was announced, India had also sent Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri to Qatar, underlining concerns linked to energy security and regional stability.
According to the UAE foreign ministry, discussions covered regional developments after the ceasefire as well as what it described as the “unprovoked and terrorist Iranian attacks” targeting the UAE and other countries. Bilateral strategic relations and security cooperation also figured prominently in the talks.
Jaishankar, in a brief post on X, stated that the discussions “focused on the evolving regional situation and its implications.”
He also conveyed India’s appreciation for the UAE’s efforts to ensure the well-being of the Indian community, with nearly 3.5 million Indians residing and working in the Emirates.
The visit comes amid heightened geopolitical sensitivities following the 40-day conflict triggered by coordinated US-Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28.
The UAE has emerged as one of the strongest critics of Tehran’s actions during the conflict, calling for accountability, reparations and a comprehensive framework addressing Iran’s military and nuclear capabilities as part of any durable settlement.
India’s diplomatic positioning during the crisis had drawn criticism from sections of the opposition, who argued that New Delhi appeared to lean towards Israel and key Gulf partners.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had travelled to Israel shortly before hostilities escalated and later held conversations with Gulf leaders expressing concern over attacks on their territories, while refraining from specific criticism of US-Israeli strikes on Iran.
As the ceasefire holds and negotiations begin, India’s renewed engagement with Gulf partners indicates an attempt to balance strategic interests, safeguard energy supplies and maintain stability for its large diaspora in the region while closely watching the next phase of West Asian diplomacy.
The visit marked Jaishankar’s first engagement in the Gulf region after the two-week US-Iran ceasefire came into force and reflected New Delhi’s effort to closely monitor shifting regional dynamics.
The meeting coincided with the launch of the first direct US-Iran negotiations since 1979, which began in Islamabad on the same day. Abu Dhabi was chosen as the first stop of the foreign minister’s regional tour, signalling the strategic importance India attaches to its ties with the United Arab Emirates.
Soon after the ceasefire was announced, India had also sent Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri to Qatar, underlining concerns linked to energy security and regional stability.
According to the UAE foreign ministry, discussions covered regional developments after the ceasefire as well as what it described as the “unprovoked and terrorist Iranian attacks” targeting the UAE and other countries. Bilateral strategic relations and security cooperation also figured prominently in the talks.
Jaishankar, in a brief post on X, stated that the discussions “focused on the evolving regional situation and its implications.”
He also conveyed India’s appreciation for the UAE’s efforts to ensure the well-being of the Indian community, with nearly 3.5 million Indians residing and working in the Emirates.
A real pleasure to meet DPM & FM @ABZayed of UAE in Abu Dhabi this evening.
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) April 11, 2026
Our conversation focused on the evolving regional situation and its implications.
Conveyed our deep appreciation for ensuring the well-being of the Indian community in the UAE.
Confident that our… pic.twitter.com/zoQ2BtkCGG
The visit comes amid heightened geopolitical sensitivities following the 40-day conflict triggered by coordinated US-Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28.
The UAE has emerged as one of the strongest critics of Tehran’s actions during the conflict, calling for accountability, reparations and a comprehensive framework addressing Iran’s military and nuclear capabilities as part of any durable settlement.
India’s diplomatic positioning during the crisis had drawn criticism from sections of the opposition, who argued that New Delhi appeared to lean towards Israel and key Gulf partners.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had travelled to Israel shortly before hostilities escalated and later held conversations with Gulf leaders expressing concern over attacks on their territories, while refraining from specific criticism of US-Israeli strikes on Iran.
As the ceasefire holds and negotiations begin, India’s renewed engagement with Gulf partners indicates an attempt to balance strategic interests, safeguard energy supplies and maintain stability for its large diaspora in the region while closely watching the next phase of West Asian diplomacy.
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