India–United Arab Emirates relations

India – United Arab Emirates relations

India
United Arab Emirates

India–United Arab Emirates relations refers to the bilateral relations that exist between Republic of India and United Arab Emirates.

Although historically affected by the UAE's support for the Pakistani position on the Kashmir conflict, relations have recently strengthened due to the UAE's concerns regarding growing Pakistan–Qatar relations, and over the countries' common opposition to Pakistan's Gwadar Port project with China.[1][2]

History

UAE and India enjoy historic ties with as many as 2.5 million economic migrant workers of Indian origin residing in the oil rich gulf state. Indians also make up the largest ethnic group in the UAE making up roughly 27% of the total UAE`s residents. These economic migrants over the years have also made a significant economic contribution to India in the form of remittances worth billions of dollars.[3]

On 18 August 2018, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the UAE Prime Minister Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum's humanitarian support for those affected by the 2018 Kerala floods as "[reflecting] the special ties between governments and people of India and UAE".[4]

Commercial and Economic Relations

Though India & 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. [5] So during Indian PM Narendra Modi's visit to 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. [6]

Prime Minister Modi's 2015 visit after Mrs Indira Gandhi's Visit in 1981

On 16 August 2015, Prime Minister Narendra Modi began a two-day visit to the UAE, the first state visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the country in 34 years.Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi visited the United Arab Emirates from 16–17 August 2015 at the invitation of His Highness Crown Prince Mohamed Bin Zayed AI Nahyan.[7] In a break from protocol which would have seen only Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah receive dignitaries, Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, along with his five brothers, was also present to receive Modi.[8] The aim of the visit was to increase bilateral cooperation in energy and trade, and market India as an attractive business destination.[9]

India-UAE: Cabinet approves MoU on Technical Cooperation in Rail Sector

The Union Cabinet has approved Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between India and United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Technical Cooperation in Rail Sector. The MoU was signed in February 2018 with Federal Transport Authority – Land & Maritime of UAE. The MoU will provide platform to Indian Railways to interact and share latest developments and knowledge in railway sector. It will facilitate exchange of information, expert meetings, technical visits and implementation of jointly agreed cooperation projects between both countries. The MoU will enable technical cooperation in following areas:

  1. Regulation, safety and technical investigation of accidents.
  2. Station redevelopment.
  3. Locomotives, coaches and wagons.
  4. Any other area jointly identified by both countries in future.[10]

References

  1. ↑ http://csef.ru/en/politica-i-geopolitica/326/novyj-dubaj-kakim-obrazom-pakistanskij-port-gvadar-ugrozhaet-regionalnoj-roli-oae-8202
  2. ↑ https://www.firstpost.com/world/dubai-police-chief-dhahi-khalfans-stinging-tweets-on-pakistan-more-than-outburst-reveal-islamabads-unsteady-relations-with-saudi-led-gcc-bloc-4418471.html
  3. ↑ "How India, UAE looked beyond Pak to forge a new partnership". 18 August 2015.
  4. ↑ "UAE expats help Kerala victims through social media". Gulf News. 18 August 2018.
  5. ↑ https://www.exportgenius.in/blog/india-uae-bilateral-trade-uae-india-exports-and-imports-data-2017-197.php
  6. ↑ https://www.khaleejtimes.com/business/local/uae-india-trade-made-easier
  7. ↑ "First visit to a Gulf Arab nation: At UAE grand mosque, Modi hails 'peace, harmony inherent in Islam'". 17 August 2015.
  8. ↑ Desk, Internet (16 August 2015). "Path of terror will never benefit anyone: Modi" – via The Hindu.
  9. ↑ "Narendra Modi leaves for his two-day maiden visit to UAE". 16 August 2015.
  10. ↑ "India-UAE: Cabinet approves MoU on Technical Cooperation in Rail Sector | Current Affairs Today". currentaffairs.gktoday.in. Retrieved 2018-04-15.
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