Sheikh Hamdan’s thoughtful gifts reflect deep-rooted ties between UAE and India during his landmark New Delhi visit
During his historic maiden visit to India, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum — the Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defence of the UAE — presented symbolic and priceless gifts to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and two senior ministers, underscoring the warm diplomatic and historical bond between the two nations, reported 24newshd.tv.
During a meeting in New Delhi, Sheikh Hamdan presented Prime Minister Modi with a treasured artifact — a black “bisht” worn by his grandfather, the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, during his 1974 visit to India. Encased in a glass display alongside a black-and-white photograph of Sheikh Rashid wearing the bisht, the gift celebrated the long-standing political and personal connections between the leaders of both countries.
Each gift offered by Sheikh Hamdan carried deep cultural and historical significance, marking key milestones in UAE-India relations and honoring the friendship that has spanned generations
A video released by the Indian government captured the moment PM Modi, visibly moved by the gesture, called it “a very precious gift.” Sheikh Hamdan, responding with humility, said in Arabic, “This is small compared to your stature.”
In another special meeting at Hyderabad House, Sheikh Hamdan gifted External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar the original front page of the Arabic daily Al Ittihad from 1984. The paper highlighted the heroic efforts of Sheikh Hamdan’s father, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who, as UAE’s Defence Minister, successfully negotiated the release of hostages from the hijacked Indian Airlines Flight 421 in Dubai.
The final gift was presented to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh — a ceremonial Arabian dagger that once belonged to Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Founding Father of the UAE. Known as the Saheli Khanjar, this silver-decorated dagger is symbolic of Emirati heritage and was famously worn by Sheikh Zayed at significant events.
Through these meaningful exchanges, Sheikh Hamdan not only honored the legacy of UAE-India relations but also reinforced the modern-day partnership between the two nations — rooted in mutual respect, history, and shared visions for the future.