Following the declaration of a ceasefire after 40 days of intense conflict in West Asia, India has initiated a high-stakes diplomatic mission. External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar is scheduled to visit the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from April 9 to April 12. This marks the first high-level visit from India to the region since the cessation of hostilities.

The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that Jaishankar will first attend the Indian Ocean Conference in Mauritius before flying directly to Abu Dhabi. He is slated to hold comprehensive talks with his UAE counterpart, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The primary focus of the visit will be bilateral trade, investments, and critical energy security. The recent war had raised alarms regarding oil transportation through the Strait of Hormuz, directly impacting major importers like India.

During the conflict, Dr. Jaishankar maintained constant contact with leaders in Iran, Qatar, and the UAE to express concerns over maritime stability. With the ceasefire now in place, India aims to play a proactive role in restoring normalcy. This visit is seen as a strategic move to safeguard the interests of the vast Indian diaspora in the Gulf and to solidify India’s position as a key partner in regional peace and economic recovery.