Excellent Religious Freedom At The Core Of Its Values

The Republic of India and the United Arab Emirates have a strong and long-standing strategic alliance that is woven from years of flourishing cultural and economic ties. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official visit to the United Arab Emirates in July of last year signalled the beginning of a new chapter in our relationship, one that is defined by increased cooperation and a strategic partnership and holds out the prospect of an infinitely bright future for both countries.

Our connection has evolved from a diplomatic endeavour that began in the early 1970s into a comprehensive strategic collaboration that spans industries like energy, space, and information technology and is in line with our common future vision.

A major turning point in the relationship was reached in 2017 when UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan visited India as the primary guest for the Republic Day celebration, earning the two countries the designation of Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Today, this alliance has developed into a strong working relationship, as seen by the rise in tourist arrivals, deeper interpersonal relationships, and the significant number of Indian and UAE businesses participating in each other’s markets.

Our collaboration’s cornerstone, our economic partnership, has resulted in over $60 billion in bilateral trade. The United Arab Emirates is a prominent trading partner of India, and we are resolute in our efforts to broaden and enhance our economic collaboration.

Leaders from both sides have visited at high levels to strengthen diplomatic and commercial ties. This has led to the signing of important agreements, such as the historic Comprehensive Commercial Partnership Agreement (CEPA) in 2022. The UAE-India CEPA was unprecedented in two respects: firstly, it was the first of its kind to be signed by our nation, and secondly, it was negotiated and finalised in an astounding 88 days. The agreement was signed on February 18, 2022, and went into effect on May 1, 2022.

Within five years after its signature, bilateral commerce in goods is expected to reach $100 billion, while trade in services is expected to reach $15 billion. Additional dialogues and partnerships have been facilitated by other formal forums, including the Joint Commission, the Strategic Dialogue, and the High-Level Task Force on Investment.

The strong relationships that exist between the communities in the UAE and India go far beyond trade and the economy. As a vital component of the UAE’s diverse population, the Indian diaspora is essential to the nation’s progress. The fact that more than three million Indians reside in the United Arab Emirates is evidence of the depth of the long-lasting people-to-people ties that exist between our two countries.

With thirty percent of the population, the Indian community is the largest ethnic group in the United Arab Emirates.
The nation’s development has been significantly accelerated by the Indian diaspora. The government and people of the United Arab Emirates acknowledge and value their contributions, which include their influence on culture and society as well as their positions in the workforce and economic sector. The Indian population in the United Arab Emirates has thrived, producing noteworthy cultural and economic contributions that have elevated the country’s wealth.  The UAE’s Indian diaspora has played a significant role in fostering closer ties between our countries on the cultural and commercial fronts. The relationship between the United Arab Emirates and India is evidence of the continued strength of our diplomatic, historical, economic, and cultural ties. It reflects the friendly and reciprocal relationship we have developed, and we are steadfast in our commitment to strengthening our ties over a range of industries.