The United Arab Emirates (UAE), situated in the eastern part of the Arabian Peninsula, is a federation of seven emirates. The UAE shares its borders with Oman to the east and Saudi Arabia to the south and west. It also shares maritime borders with Iran.
India and UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership
In recent years, India and the UAE have developed a substantial strategic partnership. This relationship was highlighted during a virtual summit held between the two nations where a Joint Vision Statement titled “Advancing the India and UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership: New Frontiers, New Milestone” was issued. The statement outlines a roadmap for future collaboration, highlighting areas including trade, investment, innovation, defence, security, climate action, emerging technologies, education, health cooperation, and food security.
Defence and Security Cooperation
During the recent summit, India and the UAE agreed to enhance maritime cooperation to maintain peace and security in the region. Both nations reaffirmed their commitment to combating extremism and terrorism, including cross-border terrorism, at regional and international levels.
Collaboration on Climate Action and Renewables
Both nations committed to supporting each other’s clean energy missions. They also decided to establish a joint Hydrogen Task Force to amplify technologies, especially with a focus on green hydrogen production.
Emerging Technologies and Education Cooperation
India and the UAE agreed to expand cooperation in critical technologies, promoting e-businesses, e-payment solutions, and startups. Moreover, in the field of education, the nations decided to establish an Indian Institute of Technology in the UAE.
Health Cooperation and Food Security
The countries agreed to collaborate on research, production, and development of reliable vaccine supply chains, enhancing investments by UAE entities in India’s health infrastructure. Additionally, they discussed the resilience and reliability of food supply chains and expanding bilateral food and agriculture trade.
Skills Cooperation and Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA)
India and UAE committed to enhance cooperation in skill development to meet market needs and future work requirements. A significant milestone was the signing of the CEPA to boost trade and investment, which is expected to create jobs and access to broader African and Asian markets for India.
Existing State of India-UAE Relations
India and the UAE share a strong bond, with historical cultural, religious, and economic ties. The relationship flourished after the accession of H.H. Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan as Ruler of Abu Dhabi in 1966 and subsequently with the creation of the UAE Federation in 1971. Economically, the UAE is India’s third-largest trading partner. Cultural ties are also robust, with regular exchanges at official and popular levels. The UAE hosts over 2.6 million Indian expatriates, the largest expatriate community in the UAE, contributing significantly to the UAE’s economic development.
Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) & Other Groupings
The UAE is a prominent member of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), a political and economic alliance of six Middle Eastern countries. India has requested GCC members, including the UAE, to facilitate the return of Indians wishing to resume work with the easing of Covid-19-related restrictions.