UAE-India ties are rooted in affinity, trust and respect

Last Updated12/09/2024

During Abu Dhabi Crown Prince's recent visit to Delhi, a significant event took place at Rajghat.
Sheikh Khaled planted a tree in memory of Mahatma Gandhi, following the example of his father, in 2016, and his grandfather, in 1992
These three trees, symbolizing the growing UAE-India ties, stand side by side, representing a deeply rooted and enduring relationship.

Our countries appear to be very different.
- Population size
  - India is almost 40 times larger than the UAE in size and is also the most populous country in the world.
  - There are more than 1,000 Indian citizens for every Emirati citizen.
- Foundational strengths of our economy
  - Agriculture is a key pillar of India’s economy, for example, but only makes up less than 1% of the UAE’s GDP.
- Different governance dynamics
  - While both emerged as modern nations in the 20th century, the histories and governance of both the countries are very different.
Despite significant differences, India and the UAE share a unique relationship rooted in common interests and values.

The UAE-India relationship is built on human connections and mutual progress, with trade links dating back thousands of years.
Archaeological evidence shows that connections between the Arabian Gulf and the Indus Valley civilizations existed over four millennia ago.
Additionally, Emiratis have long travelled to India for medical treatment, and Indian remedies continue to be trusted by many Emirati families.

With over 3.5 million Indians residing in the UAE, they form the largest expatriate community in the country.
The UAE's success in fostering tolerance and inclusion is reflected in the Indian expatriates' contributions to its economy.
The high level of connectivity between the two nations is evident in the 1,500 weekly flights linking them.

In February 2022, India became the first country to sign a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the UAE.
The agreement was concluded in just six months due to the mutual trust and respect between the two nations.
Since then, bilateral trade has increased by over 15%, and additional investments have been made.
The two countries have also collaborated on various sectors, including health, innovation, and renewable energy.

The Crown Prince recently attended the inauguration of the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi Abu Dhabi, marking a milestone in educational collaboration.
Both nations have signed agreements on topics ranging from health innovation to renewable energy and civil nuclear technology.
India's research in nuclear desalination holds particular significance for the UAE, given its desert environment.
The relationship is set to continue flourishing as both nations explore new opportunities for collaboration.