As the UAE’s President landed in India on a state visit, it was not just the Prime Minister’s warm welcome at the airport along with officials that awaited the Ruler, but also a special gift.
After being received by Modi at New Delhi’s Palam Air Base, the Emirati leader headed towards the Prime Minister’s Lok Kalyan Marg residence, where he was given two special gifts showcasing the diversity that spans within India itself.
As they walked into his residence, the Indian PM was seen guiding Sheikh Mohamed towards a beautifully carved wooden swing from Gujarat. The Royal Carved Wooden Jhula (swing), is known to sit at the heart of many Gujarat family homes. Hand-carved with detailed floral and traditional designs, the swing symbolises togetherness, conversation and bonding across generations.
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The gift was also given as it resonates deeply with the UAE’s declaration of 2026 as the Year of Family.
Along with the swing, the Ruler was also gifted a Pashmina Shawl in an ornate silver box. Originating from Kashmir, the shawl is made by hand from very fine wool, making it soft, light and warm. It has been placed in a decorative silver box made in Telangana. Together, they represent India’s rich tradition of handloom and handicraft.
Modi personally made Sheikh Mohamed wear the shawl, after which the two leaders were seen smiling and talking while seated on the swing.
A Pashmina shawl was also gifted to the UAE President’s mother, Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Al Ketbi, along with Kashmiri Saffron in an ornate silver box. Grown in the Kashmir Valley, saffron is revered for its deep crimson strands and intense aroma.
This was Sheikh Mohamed’s third official visit to India since assuming office as President of the UAE, and his fifth visit to the country in the past decade, reflecting the frequency and intensity of high-level engagement between New Delhi and Abu Dhabi.
The two sides reviewed the significant and strategic development of UAE-India relations, particularly in areas that support their shared growth ambitions, including the economy, investment, space, technology, artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and food security.
After diplomacy talks, the two leaders met their respective delegations.
The UAE President was accompanied by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chief of the Presidential Court for Special Affairs, Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Advisor to the President of the State, and a number of ministers and senior officials in the country.
