Deepak Mittal, who led India-Taliban talks in 2021, appointed as ambassador to UAE

Mittal was the first Indian official who played a key role in establishing diplomatic ties between India and the Taliban administration after the former government in Afghanistan collapsed on August 15, 2021.

Deepak Mittal, and the head of Taliban's political office in Doha, Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanekzai held a meeting at the Taliban's request.

"Dr. Deepak Mittal (IFS:1998) has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to the United Arab Emirates," MEA said in a statement.

"He is expected to take up the assignment shortly," the statement further said.

Mittal will replace  Sunjay Sudhir, who was serving as India's envoy to the UAE since 2021.

India and UAE relationship

India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) established diplomatic relations in 1972.

While the UAE opened its Embassy in India in 1972, Indian Embassy in UAE was opened in 1973.

 The traditionally strong bilateral relations enjoyed by India-UAE have received impetus with exchange of high-level bilateral visits from time to time.

"The visit of Prime Minister of India to UAE on 16-17 August 2015 marked the beginning of a new Comprehensive and Strategic partnership between the two countries. HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan (MBZ) visited India twice as Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi in February 2016 and January 2017 and twice as the President of the UAE in September 2023 and January 2024 as the Chief Guest of Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit," the Indian Embassy in the UAE said.

Since 2015, Modi has visited UAE seven times.

PM visited UAE for the seventh time in February 2024 and met His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan (MBZ), President of UAE & Ruler of Abu Dhabi.

During the visit, several MoUs were signed in the field of energy, financial, digital infrastructure, investments, archive management and regional connectivity.

He also participated in the 12th World Government Summit (WGS) in Dubai, where India was the Guest of Honour.