Relationship between India and UAE

 Relationship between India and UAE

**Author:- Dipangshu Dutta, a Student of Snehangshu Kanta Acharya Institute of Law, Kalyani University

Introduction: India and United Arab Emirates are the bilateral relations that exist between the Republic India and the United Arab Emirates . Indians also makeup the largest ethnic group in the UAE, making up roughly 38%of UAE’s total resident. India is UAE’s largest export destination and trading partner with bilateral trade turnover of US$68.4billion during the year 2021.In2022 India and UAE signed a Comprehensive Economics Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with an aim of taking bilateral trade to US$ 100 billion within 5years.

Historical Relationship:-Since 3000B.C. relations between India and the seven emirates which now make up the United Arab Emirates were traditionally close. The UAE and India had enjoyed close and friendly ties based on historic and cultural ties. After the creation of the federation in 1971. India -UAE relations flourished.

 In 2018, a Memorandum of Understanding  was signed between India and the UAE on Technical Cooperation in the Rail Sector. It provided a platform for Indian Railways to interact and share their ltest developments and knowledge in the railway sector.

In August, 2021, UAE and India signed an agreement under which faculty members from Indian universities will spend six to 10 months every year for undertaking research and teaching social sciences in Abu Dhabi. This agreement was aimed at deepening the academic and cultural ties between the two nations. 

Economical Relationship:- The UAE is India’s top trading partner in entire West Asia and North Africa region. According to journalist Ravi S. Jha, Indian exports to the UAE account for 6% of India’s global exports. In 2008–09, India emerged as the largest trade partner of the UAE with bilateral trade between the two countries exceeding $44.5 billion. In 2018–19, India-UAE bilateral trade grew by over 20% and India’s exports to UAE grew by 7% whereas the UAE’s exports to India surged by 37% to reach US$29.78 billion. 

Though India and the UAE are two fast-growing economies from Asia.

India had a four-story pavilion at Dubai Expo 2020 showcasing business opportunities and its global push towards attracting investors for its projected $5 trillion economy. The pavilion, one of the largest among 190 countries, featured Indian brands and multinational companies, including Reliance Industries and Adani Group. The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement being negotiated with the UAE was expected to help in sealing at least $100 billion trade. India’s rising unicorns and startups were a major attraction for global investors, and at least 13 states participated at the Dubai Expo.

Security Relationship:- On 4 March 2018, the Indian Coast Guard and Emirati special forces collaborated in a successful operation, requested by Emirati Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and approved by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to intercept a yacht carrying Latifa bint Mohammed Al Maktoum.

   In December 2020, Indian authorities in coordination with UAE had foiled a Pakistani ISI backed-terrorist attack in Delhi. The arrested terrorists consisted of 2 Khalistani and 3 Hizbul Mujahideen members. The head of the cell was arrested in UAE and deported to India. 

Cultural Relationship:- In 1975, UAE and India signed an agreement to deepen their cultural ties. Both countries agreed to cooperate in art, culture, and education, including academic activity in science and technology, sports, public health and mass media. 

 There are currently over 3 million Indians living in UAE. Immigration has been highly active since the 1960s. Most of the people who migrated are from the southern states of India. Since 2014, both countries have signed multiple agreements and have increased their cooperation in various fields. Diplomats have emphasized the bonhomie between PM Narendra Modi and President Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan for close cooperation between the countries. In a joint statement given in February 2022, there was a proposal to establish the first overseas IIT.

Conclusion:- The two nations share historical ties and have maintained regular cultural exchanges both at official and popular levels. India and UAE signed a Cultural Agreement in 1975. The ICCR had opened a Culture Centre in Abu Dhabi in 2009 but it was closed in June 2014.