India–United Arab Emirates relations

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.[12] 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.[13][14]

Though India and the UAE are two fast-growing economies from Asia, bilateral trade between them has not kept pace with the economic growth in the region, with trade falling to US$49.3 billion in 2016 from about US$67 billion in 2013.[15] So, during the Indian PM Narendra Modi's visit to the UAE in February 2018, both sides signed a landmark agreement to conduct trade directly in their local currencies eliminating the need for US dollars which would significantly boost trade. Both leaders have also set an ambitious target of US$100 billion in bilateral trade by the year 2020.[16][17]

An underwater rail tunnel linking the UAE with the western coast of India was proposed in 2018. The proposed tunnel would be supported by pontoons and be nearly 2000 kilometres in length.[18] [19]

In the financial year 2018–19, India-UAE bilateral trade grew by over 20% to reach US$59.9 billion. India's exports to UAE grew by 7% to US$30.13 billion whereas UAE's exports to India surged by 37% to reach US$29.78 billion.[20][14]

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.[21]

Since 2014, India has worked with UAE on various counter-terrorism issues.[22]

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.[23]

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.[24]

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.[25]

There are currently over 3 million Indians living in UAE.[26] Immigration has been highly active since the 1960s. Most of the people who migrated are from the southern states of India.[27] 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.[28] In a joint statement given in February 2022, there was a proposal to establish the first overseas IIT.[29]