India Observers

  India and the UAE have a long-standing relationship that has seen significant growth and diversification in recent years. The bilateral agreements, such as the  Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA)  signed in February 2022, have boosted trade and investment between the two countries. The UAE is a significant investor in India’s economy, with substantial inflows of foreign direct investment across various sectors. Companies like DP World, Sharaf, and Lulu Group have established strong footholds in India, contributing to job creation and economic development. Similarly, Indian companies have expanded their presence in the UAE, leveraging its strategic location as a gateway to the Middle East and Africa. The substantial Indian diaspora in the UAE, comprising nearly 30% of the country’s population, underscores the strong people-to-people ties and cultural affinity between India and the UAE. Cities like Dubai and Sharjah have emerged as preferred destinations ...

  India and the UAE have been strengthening their bilateral relationship since July 2023, with high-level visits and discussions on various topics such as energy, education, healthcare, defense, and culture. Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the UAE in July 2023, signing agreements on money, energy, and communication. The President of the UAE, Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, also visited India in August, signing agreements on defense, investment, and space cooperation. In July 2023, they discussed energy, education, healthcare, food security, fintech, defense, and culture. They agreed to work together on oil, gas, and renewable energy like solar power, and signed an agreement to open a campus of an Indian university in Abu Dhabi. They also discussed healthcare, with the UAE promising to invest money in food parks in India. Fintech, which uses technology for banking and money, aims to make business easier between the two countries. Defense and defense cooperation are also discussed,...

  Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for a two-day visit, starting on Tuesday. He will engage in talks with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and inaugurate the first Hindu temple,  ‘BAPS Hindu Mandir’  in Abu Dhabi. Modi will also attend the  World Government Summit  in Dubai, where he will deliver a keynote address. The summit, which takes place from February 12 to 14, is a global platform for discussing how to shape future governments. The summit aims to improve international cooperation and provide governments with innovative tools to face modern challenges. Over 25 world leaders, representatives from 140 governments, and 85 international organizations will participate in the event. UAE President  Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed  has emphasized the importance of the summit in promoting dialogue, sharing knowledge, and investing in new ideas. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, the Vice President and Prime Mi...

  The Vibrant Gujarat and the Modi-MBZ roadshow have been a significant event in the global context of India-UAE relations. Vibrant Gujarat, initiated by Prime Minister Modi in 2003, is a platform for global business leaders and governments to come together, fostering investment opportunities in India. Gujarat stands out with its investment-friendly environment, emerging economic hubs, and tourist locations like GIFT City and renewable energy projects. The Modi-MBZ roadshow, held on January 9, 2024, symbolizes the deepening relationship between India and the UAE. Under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, India’s relationship with the UAE has evolved significantly, from a buyer-seller dynamic to a robust and multi-faceted partnership. This shift is evident in the increased frequency of high-level visits, strategic dialogues, and the expansion of bilateral cooperation beyond just trade, encompassing areas like defense, security, and culture. Key Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) have...

In May 2023, a delegation of influential leaders from India, organized by Thought Leaders of India (TLOI) in association with the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, traveled to Abu Dhabi, UAE. The purpose of the visit was to deepen bilateral relations on commercial and social fronts. The delegation, consisting of corporate executives, experts, and representatives, engaged in conversations with UAE thought leaders and decision-makers, fostering cooperation and collaboration. The visit marked a significant step in creating business partnerships and exploring opportunities for corporate cooperation and information sharing between  India and the UAE . During their visit, the delegates interacted with various stakeholders, including academics, business leaders, and students. These engagements sparked insightful conversations and an intellectual exchange, promoting better understanding between the two countries. Rishi Kapoor, Partner & Business Head of Sapphire Connect, expr...