Political relationship
Political links between India and UAE is nutured through high level visits and Joint commission. As one of the outcome of recent visit by Indian PM both sides determined for early adoption of Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT) at the United Nations which is proposed by India. UAE also backed India’s permanent membership in UNSC.
India and the UAE in joint statement raised stern opposition against terrorism and extremism. Both sides also agreed to cooperate on information sharing on criminal cases, pending extradition and judicial request. Despite of setbacks in India UAE relationship, due to UAE support to Pakistan, the links flourished on account of shared commonality in commerce and culture since 3000 BCE.
India-UAE conducted their very first air exercise to take their defence cooperation to next level and also held the second India-UAE Joint Defence Cooperation Committee meeting.UAE supported India on Mumbai terror attacks expressing its firm opposition on issue of terrorism.
Economic Relationship
To bolster the investment and trade ties, India and the UAE signed five MoUs in the areas of telecommunications, tourism, scientific research and higher education; cooperation between the respective telecom regulatory authorities and also between commercial bodies the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and the Federation of the UAE Chambers of Commerce and Industry.
Two sides agreed to strengthen cooperation in immigration, security, defence, combating crime, Indian community related issues, investment, energy, petrochemicals. As a measure to ward off money laundering both sides agreed to cooperate on factors like labour related issues including conditions of payments, illegal holding of passports, model contracts.
In commercial sphere, with UAE emerging as the second largest market globally for Indian products. India is an important export destination for the UAE manufactured goods. Indians have emerged as important investors in the UAE. In the non oil sector trade has sharply increased which mirror the growth of both countries.
India’s exports to the UAE find outlet from Dubai to Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia and also to East African countries. Thus, in turn exports to the UAE has availed large market for Indian products. Recently Mou have been signed by both sides to set up cutting edge date tissue culture production unit in Rajasthan.
Future possibilities
Both countries can invest further in tourism sector to reap potential benefits of both sides. Bilaterally and regionally both sides can collaborate in defence and security issues to battle against terrorism and extremism.
Since UAE is focusing on knowledge based industries and with India emerging as world leaders in space, agriculture, pharmaceuticals and bio-technology, there is considerable scope for cooperation in technology transfer, R&D and for joint ventures.
Cultural relationship
Indian community is the largest expatriate community in the UAE, numbering about 1.5 million. India is most preferred destination for healthcare and tourism by UAE nationals.
Abu Dhabi authority for culture and heritage have been closely cooperating with India in organising and conducting Indian film festival,SAARC film festival, Indian paintings exhibition, propagation of Yoga, Indian handicraft bazaar.
Outcomes of recent visit
UAE-India infrastructure Investment fund, to back the construction of industrial corridors,airports,railways,ports and roads. UAE also agreed to aid
India in development of strategic petroleum reserves along with upstream and downstream petroleum sectors. UAE assured land for Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi
Both sides agreed to conduct regular exercise and training in India in defence sector, as part of Make in India programme UAE agreed to manufacture defence equipment in India.
MADAD online platform and e-migrant portal to aid Indian diaspora through Indian mission in UAE. Both sides agreed to boost trade by 60% over next 5 years. Recent visit also striked new and comprehensive partnership between India and UAE. Strong bonds with UAE will support our expartite community and strengthen regional security in countering terrorism and address energy needs.
