External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar highlighted India's strategic importance in the Middle East, emphasizing the region's role as a gateway to global influence. With over 9 million Indians residing and working in the Gulf, India's presence is pervasive, contributing to a trade volume of USD 160 to USD 180 billion. Jaishankar underscored the symbiotic relationship between India and the Middle East, pointing out their shared history and mutual stakes. He mentioned the Indian diaspora's substantial presence and India's involvement in key projects such as airports, ports, and green hydrogen initiatives in the region. The minister also discussed the potential for extending India-Middle East collaborations into Africa, Europe, and Central Asia, particularly in the domains of connectivity, maritime security, and emerging technologies. Jaishankar emphasized the need for deeper engagement with the Middle East, recognizing the region as an extended neighborhood vital for India's global outreach. The meeting with Anwar Gargash, Diplomatic Advisor to the UAE President, further signifies the special partnership between India and the UAE, aiming to strengthen economic and diplomatic ties.