External affairs minister (EAM) S Jaishankar on Tuesday highlighted India’s deep concern over the situation in the Gulf during a meeting with UAE deputy prime minister and foreign minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, emphasising support for “free, safe and unimpeded flow of trade, energy, and fertiliser”.
We continue to support free, safe and unimpeded flow of trade, energy, and fertiliser.
Jaishankar said, “The situation in the Gulf remains a matter of deep concern; we will continue to work together and support all efforts to promote dialogue and diplomacy. Meanwhile, Saudi forces on Tuesday said they had intercepted a Houthi ballistic missile aimed at the capital, according to an AFP report.
Informing about his arrival, ministry of external affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jasiwal wrote in a post on X, “A warm welcome to HH Sheikh @ABZayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of UAE, as he arrives in Mumbai on an official visit to India. He was received by Shri Mangalprabhat Lodha, Minister, Skill Development Department of the Government of Maharashtra. Look forward to our talks. His trip to India comes amid a fresh wave of attacks on Saudi Arabia reportedly by the Houthi militants.
Jaishankar said on Tuesday (October 20, 2026) during talks with his counterpart from the UAE, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Al Nahyan, who is also the Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE, landed in Mumbai on Monday night (October 19, 2026) on a two-day visit.
Turki Al-Malki, a spokesman for the Saudi-led military coalition backing Yemen’s government in its war against the Houthis, reportedly said that the kingdom “intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile launched by the terrorist Houthi militia towards Riyadh”. “A warning has been issued by the National Early Warning Platform in Riyadh City to alert for a potential danger,” the Saudi civil defence said in a statement on X. EAM Jaishankar also extended a welcome to the leader and said on X, “Delighted to welcome DPM & FM UAE @ABZayed to Mumbai. Earlier reporting noted: Jaishankar holds talks with UAE’s Foreign Minister in Mumbai; says West Asia situation matter of ‘deep concern’ The situation in West Asia remains a matter of “deep concern” and India will support all efforts to promote peace through dialogue and diplomacy, External Affairs Minister S. I would also like to thank you, and through you, to the UAE leadership for ensuring the well-being of the Indian community in the UAE,” he said.
Earlier reporting noted: Mr. Earlier reporting noted: “We continue to support free, safe and unimpeded flow of trade, energy and fertiliser.
