UAE-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Deepens Constructive Cooperation, Indian Ambassador Says

India is marking the 77th Republic Day on 26th January, highlighting a phase shaped by innovation, entrepreneurship and strong investment in people. Against this backdrop, the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with the UAE is presented as a model relationship, framed by a shared outlook, deep trust and long-term planning between the two countries.

Reflecting on the broader meaning of the partnership, Dr. Deepak Mittal, Ambassador of India to the UAE, said, "The India–UAE relationship is no longer defined by geography; it is defined by closeness of purpose and unity of vision. This partnership is about more than economics or strategy. It is about people believing in each other, nations growing together, and futures being shaped jointly."

Marking Republic Day, Dr. Mittal linked the national celebration with India’s development priorities and global standing. "As India celebrates its 77th Republic Day on 26th January, it does so as a nation confident in its destiny and propelled by the innovation, enterprise, and the aspirations of its people. Today, India stands as the world’s fourth-largest economy, among the fastest-growing globally, and is set to become the world’s third largest economy by end of this decade."

Dr. Mittal explained that this anniversary also offers a moment to review India’s most durable and forward-looking international ties. He placed the relationship with the UAE at the centre of that reflection, saying it rests not only on shared strategic interests but also on a longstanding friendship that links societies, economies and future planning in both countries.

According to Dr. Mittal, the high level of India–UAE cooperation reflects strong bonds between the leaderships of both states. Regular senior-level meetings have expanded collaboration in trade, energy, infrastructure, education and connectivity. At the same time, they have opened new areas covering space activities, defence engagement, polar cooperation, nuclear energy projects, green technologies and access to critical minerals.

Dr. Mittal underlined that this broad agenda is supported by the natural complementarity of both economies. The UAE’s role as a logistics, finance and energy hub matches India’s strengths in innovation, services and human capital. He noted that this alignment is visible across joint initiatives, as both sides move from traditional sectors into technology-driven and knowledge-based cooperation.

India–UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and economic growth

Economic ties form a major pillar of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Dr. Mittal stated that bilateral trade crossing US$100 billion this year marks a major point in the relationship, placing the UAE among India’s key global partners. Both countries have agreed to build on this result and aim to double bilateral trade to US$200 billion by 2032.

The ambassador highlighted how recent agreements are shaping these outcomes. The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, signed in 2022, streamlined market access and rules for trade and investment. A Bilateral Investment Treaty concluded in 2024 is further supporting investor confidence, helping firms on both sides expand operations, diversify supply chains and explore joint projects in multiple sectors.

Dr. Mittal noted that the UAE is now India’s third-largest trading partner and the second-largest destination for Indian exports. At the same time, India is the UAE’s second-largest trading partner, underlining the scale of two-way flows. He added, "In a significant development, the two countries signed Letter of Intent on UAE’s partnership for development of Special Investment Region in Dholera, Gujarat."

India–UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in technology and connectivity

Beyond trade volumes, the ambassador pointed to growing collaboration in advanced and digital sectors. He cited cooperation in digital payments, local currency trade, artificial intelligence, data centres, food parks, nuclear energy and multiple connectivity projects. Systems such as UPI–AANI integration, the Jaywan card, the Virtual Trade Corridor and Bharat Mart in Dubai illustrate how both sides are designing a modern and ambitious partnership.

Dr. Mittal said these initiatives show how India–UAE ties are moving into technology-rich domains that serve long-term economic resilience. By linking payment systems, supply chains and digital infrastructure, the two countries aim to lower transaction costs and streamline trade. He emphasised that the alignment of capabilities in digital innovation and logistics continues to draw the partners closer.

India–UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in defence and education

Security cooperation is another important element within a complex international environment. Dr. Mittal noted that India and the UAE maintain strong defence and security links that include dialogue, joint activities and capability cooperation. Both governments have agreed to work towards concluding a Strategic Defence Partnership, which would give long-term structure to their defence engagement.

He described educational ties as a cornerstone of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The inauguration of IIT Delhi–Abu Dhabi and the opening of IIM Ahmedabad’s Dubai campus were highlighted as major steps. These institutions are expected to prepare future generations for an innovation-driven economy, connecting talent and research between India, the UAE and the wider region.

India–UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and people-to-people links

At the heart of India–UAE relations, Dr. Mittal placed the Indian community in the UAE, which numbers more than four million people. He stressed that their work has made a significant contribution to the UAE’s development story. Their achievements also reflect the country’s inclusive outlook and the generosity of its leadership towards different communities.

Cultural developments were also highlighted by Dr. Mittal as symbols of mutual respect and trust. He described the inauguration of the BAPS Hindu Temple in Abu Dhabi as a strong sign of cultural harmony between the societies. He added that the decision to establish a House of India in the UAE further represents the depth of the longstanding friendship between the two nations.

Dr. Mittal’s reflections present the 77th Republic Day as a moment where national progress and international partnership intersect. India’s economic rise, human capital investments and innovation focus are closely linked with a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with the UAE that spans trade, technology, security, education and community ties, and is anchored in shared vision and mutual trust.

With inputs from WAM