Dubai: Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, held high-level talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Dehli on Tuesday as part of an official visit.

Sheikh Hamdan hailed the robust ties between the UAE and India and said the nations shared a vision for the future focused on "opportunity and innovation".

His first official visit to India is his most high-profile overseas engagement since being appointed Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence in July.

"It was a pleasure meeting the Prime Minister Narendra Modi today in New Delhi," Sheikh Hamdan wrote on X. "Our conversations reaffirmed the strength of UAE–India ties which is built on trust, shaped by history and driven by a shared vision to create a future full of opportunity, innovation and lasting prosperity."

Sheikh Hamdan and his accompanying delegation had earlier been welcomed by a ceremonial guard of honour as they were met at Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi by Suresh Gopi, India’s Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas and Tourism.

Sheikh Hamdan's trip is aimed at strengthening relations between the close allies across key sectors.

"The visit underscores the UAE leadership’s commitment to building strategic alliances with key international partners to foster growth, drive innovation, and promote collaboration across vital sectors," state news agency Wam said on Tuesday.

The UAE and India enjoy a deep-rooted friendship, dating back to the formation of the Emirates, a bond that has grown significantly over the years.

More than four million Indians live in the Emirates, making up the largest contingent of foreign residents in the country, while a host of prominent business leaders from India have set up companies in the UAE.

The countries have sought to strengthen links in various fields, including the economy, education and culture.

The value of non-oil trade between India and the UAE reached $54.2 billion in 2023, according to figures shared by Dubai Media Office.

 In Dubai alone, none-oil trade with India surged from $36.7bn in 2019 to $45.4 billion in 2023.

More than 16,000 Indian companies joined the Dubai Chamber of Commerce last year, taking the total number beyond 70,000.

It is the latest official trip made by the UAE's leadership to India to explore ways to bolster bilateral ties. President Sheikh Mohamed visited India in January last year to attend a three-day global business summit, during which he also held high-level talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Last September, Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, made an official visit to India in which he held talks with Mr Modi.

Sheikh Hamdan's delegation includes Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports, and chairman and chief executive of Emirates airline, Mohammed Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, Reem Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Co-operation, Abdulla bin Touq, Minister of Economy, and Dr Thani Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade.

The delegation also includes senior officials and leaders representing different economic sectors.