Prashant Pise, Additional Secretary (Emigration Policy and Welfare), headed the Indian delegation to the 8th Ministerial Consultations of the Abu Dhabi Dialogue (ADD), which took place in Dubai from January 31 to February 1, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

The Abu Dhabi Dialogue, established in 2008, is a regional, voluntary, and non-binding consultative forum that brings together 11 Asian labour-sending countries and seven labour-receiving nations. It serves as a platform to enhance cooperation on contractual labour mobility, promote the exchange of best practices, and facilitate the sharing of experiences among participating countries. India’s consistent and active involvement in the ADD highlights the government’s commitment to ensuring safe, orderly, and legal migration, while also prioritising the welfare and rights of Indian migrant workers abroad.

During the consultations, discussions focused on key areas such as migrant worker welfare, labour mobility frameworks, and skills development. The dialogue also explored the role of technological solutions in improving labour mobility systems and strengthening cooperation between countries of origin and destination.

On the sidelines of the event, Additional Secretary Pise held bilateral meetings with senior officials from the UAE’s Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, including the Undersecretary for Labour Market Development and Regulation and the Assistant Undersecretary for Communications and International Relations. These meetings reviewed measures adopted by both governments to safeguard the welfare of Indian workers in the UAE and examined opportunities to further enhance collaboration in skills training and workforce management. The Indian Embassy in Dubai confirmed India’s participation in the consultations through a post on X, reiterating that the Indian delegation was led by Shri Prashant Pise.

Separately, on January 25, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his Mann ki Baat address, underlined the significance of India’s family system, describing it as a core part of the country’s tradition that is admired by many nations around the world. India and the United Arab Emirates established diplomatic relations in 1972. The UAE opened its embassy in India the same year, while India set up its embassy in the UAE in 1973, marking the beginning of a long-standing and multifaceted partnership.