UAE-India ties are rooted in affinity, trust and respect
Source: The Hindu
For Prelims:
- UAE-India Relations: Understanding the historical and strategic ties between India and the UAE, which are based on mutual trust, respect, and complementary strengths.
- Trade Relations: The significance of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between India and the UAE, which has boosted bilateral trade by over 15% in its first year.
- Indian Diaspora in UAE: The role of the 3.5 million Indians in the UAE, the largest expatriate community, contributing to the UAE's economy.
For Mains:
- GS II: International Relations: Analyzing the strategic partnership between India and the UAE and its implications for global diplomacy, trade, and regional stability.
Highlights of the Article:
- The UAE and India share deep-rooted ties, symbolized by the planting of trees by three generations of UAE leaders.
- The UAE is home to over 3.5 million Indians, highlighting the strength of the expatriate community.
- The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the two nations was signed in just six months, resulting in a significant increase in bilateral trade.
- Strategic collaborations between the two nations cover areas like health innovation, renewable energy, and civil nuclear technology.
- The relationship is poised for further growth, symbolizing a blend of fast growth and stable trust through continued innovation and partnership.
Context:
This article reflects on the long-standing relationship between the UAE and India, focusing on historical connections, economic growth through CEPA, and cooperation in various sectors like technology and energy. The UAE-India relationship serves as a model for strategic partnerships based on shared values and complementary strengths
UPSC EXAM NOTES ANALYSIS
1.India - UAE relationship
- Three generations of past, present, and future leaders of our nation have planted trees over three decades, symbolizing the deep and evolving bond between our two countries.
- Though our nations may seem vastly different at first glance—India being nearly 40 times larger than the UAE and the most populous country in the world, with more than 1,000 Indians for every Emirati—our relationship thrives on shared values. While agriculture is a cornerstone of India’s economy, it accounts for less than 1% of the UAE’s GDP.
- Both nations became modern states in the 20th century, though their histories and governance differ significantly.
- However, the strongest partnerships are those built on common goals, enriched by complementary strengths and diversity, where differences are embraced rather than hidden.
- The uniqueness of the UAE-India relationship lies in its foundation of affinity, trust, and respect, nurtured by generations of human connections. Just as trees draw sustenance from strong roots, partnerships between countries need these qualities to grow and endure.
- Our relationship has always been about people and progress. Trade links between the Arabian Gulf and India have existed for thousands of years, with goods, ideas, and people moving across the ocean.
- Recent archaeological finds in Abu Dhabi reveal connections to the Indus Valley civilization dating back more than 4,000 years. In past generations, many Emiratis traveled to India for medical care, and even today, when my children fall ill, I turn to Indian homeopathic remedies before considering other treatments
2. Indian diaspora and UAE
- The UAE hosts over 3.5 million Indians, making them the largest expatriate group in the country. This success is largely due to the UAE leadership’s progressive vision of promoting tolerance, inclusivity, and the empowerment of women and minorities. The contributions of Indian nationals significantly enhance the strength and dynamism of the UAE economy. The close ties between the two nations are reflected in the fact that more than 1,500 flights operate between the UAE and India each week.
- When a partnership is based on mutual respect and a genuine desire to collaborate, the possibilities are limitless. In February 2022, India became the first nation with which the UAE signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
- While trade deals often take years or are abandoned due to challenges, this agreement was finalized in just six months, a testament to the trust and connection between the countries. In its first year, bilateral trade grew by over 15%, and several multi-billion-rupee investment deals were secured, with more planned for the future.
- Sheikh Khaled recently attended the launch of the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi Abu Dhabi, the first overseas campus of the renowned university.
- The two countries have also signed agreements on health innovation and renewable energy, both critical to the future of the nations and the world.
- During the Crown Prince’s visit, additional cooperation agreements, including in civil nuclear technology, are expected to be signed.
- India’s research into nuclear desalination, vital for a desert nation like the UAE, highlights the potential for partnership in areas such as green energy, medical technology, scientific research, agriculture, and industry
3. Way Forward
As the UAE and India further strengthen their comprehensive strategic partnership, these varied qualities reflect the essence of our collaboration. While we draw confidence from our deep-rooted history, mutual respect, and strong bonds, we are equally committed to continuing our growth and innovation together, constantly revitalizing our partnership and exploring new avenues for progress
|
Mains Practice Questions
1.Discuss the key areas of cooperation between the two nations and how this relationship contributes to India’s foreign policy goals. (GS II: International Relations)
2.How do expatriate communities shape bilateral relations in the context of India-UAE ties? (GS II: Diaspora and International Relations)
3.What are the implications of this agreement on bilateral trade, and how does it influence India’s regional and global economic positioning? (GS II: Bilateral Agreements)
4.Evaluate the UAE-India partnership in areas such as trade, renewable energy, and technological cooperation. How can these collaborations address global challenges like climate change? (GS II: International Relations and Global Challenges)
|
