The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has named Deepak Mittal as the new Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates.
An IFS officer since 1998, Mittal previously served as India’s ambassador to Qatar. He was instrumental in facilitating India’s first official diplomatic engagement with the Taliban following the US troop withdrawal from Afghanistan. In 2021, he met with Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanekzai, then head of the Taliban’s Political Office in Doha.
Mittal succeeds Sunjay Sudhir, who has served as the Ambassador to the UAE since 2021.
Stay informed with the latest updates. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.
India and the UAE established diplomatic relations in 1972, which have significantly deepened, especially following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 2015 visit, the first by an Indian PM in over 30 years.
Modi’s 2015 visit initiated a Comprehensive and Strategic partnership, followed by five more visits in the past eight years, with the latest in Nov-Dec 2023 for the COP28-World Climate Action Summit in Dubai, according to MEA.
President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed (MBZ) has made several visits from the UAE, first as Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi in 2016 and 2017, and as President in Sep 2023 for the G20 Leaders’ Summit. He also attended the 2nd Virtual Global South Summit in Nov 2023 and the 10th Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit as Chief Guest in Jan 2024.
Complementing these high-level visits, regular ministerial trips from India to the UAE have occurred, including EAM Dr. S Jaishankar and other Ministers. Similarly, UAE dignitaries have visited India, including UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed.
The strong people-to-people connection is bolstered by a large Indian diaspora of around 4.3 million, mostly in Dubai. The UAE hosts India’s largest overseas community, whose contributions greatly enhance the strong bond between the nations.
