UAE-India: Forging a future of growth and innovation

As the sun rises across the Indian subcontinent today, marking India’s 79th Independence Day, it brings with it a spirit of reflection, gratitude, and boundless aspiration. This day is not just a remembrance of our past struggles and sacrifices but also a celebration of the present achievements and the promising future that lies ahead. Independent India has been defined by resilience, reform, and reinvention. The nation is determined in its pursuit to achieve Viksit Bharat by 2047 — a developed India by the 100th year of independence.

The focus on inclusive growth, green energy transition, 6th Industrial Revolution infrastructure, Narishakti (women-led development), and a vigorous digital economy is laying the foundation for a new India that is confident, capable, and yet compassionate.

Over the past 78 years, our economy has grown exponentially, with the GDP tripling over the past decade. India is not just the fastest-growing major economy, but also a trusted and responsible global actor — contributing to solutions for climate change, health crises, and digital governance.

This day is also an occasion to acknowledge and appreciate the thriving India-UAE partnership that stands as a testament to our shared values of tolerance, progress, and mutual respect. Economic collaboration forms the bedrock of India-UAE relations.

The UAE is currently India’s third-largest trading partner and second-largest export destination. For the UAE, India is the second-largest trading partner, underscoring the scale, balance, and strategic importance of this economic engagement. The UAE is not only one of India’s largest trading partners, but also a vital collaborator in energy, fintech, space, nuclear, education, food security, and emerging technologies.

Powered by the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), signed in February 2022, the bilateral trade surged past $100 billion as of March 2025, with continued growth across gems and jewellery, food products, chemicals, machinery, and electronics. Importantly, CEPA has empowered small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in both countries, created new avenues for entrepreneurs, and encouraged the rise of joint ventures. At the heart of this strategic relationship is the shared vision of our leadership. The strong bond and trust between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan have ensured that this partnership remains people-centric, future-ready, and globally relevant.

The UAE’s confidence in India’s growth story is also evident in the scale and diversity of its investments. UAE sovereign wealth funds have made substantial investments in India’s infrastructure, logistics, renewables, and digital platforms. On the other hand, the cream of Indian business is investing in the UAE’s vibrant economic landscape. The opportunities provided by Dubai’s world-class infrastructure, ease of doing business, and visionary projects such as Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), are being leveraged by Indian companies to establish regional hubs and expand into Africa, the Middle East, and Europe.

The joint efforts on clean energy — including solar, green hydrogen, and carbon markets — reflect commitment of both countries to the global fight against climate change. The UAE’s support for India’s leadership in the International Solar Alliance (ISA) and India’s active participation in COP28 in Dubai demonstrate our shared vision for a greener planet. India’s digital governance architecture — from Aadhaar to UPI — is inspiring partnerships with the UAE’s fintech ecosystem.

As India marches towards the centenary of its independence in 2047, and the UAE approaches its centenary in 2071, we are bound by destiny. The shared ambition to build knowledge economies, empower youth and women, embrace the digital and green revolutions, and to maintain regional peace forms the foundation of the next phase of our relationship.

No story of India-UAE relations is complete without the living bridge of 4.3 million Indians who proudly call the UAE their second home.

From blue-collar brethren who have helped build the skylines across all Emirates, to highly-skilled professionals in healthcare, education, technology, and finance, the Indian diaspora represents the best of India’s talent, ethos, and enterprise.

The Consulate General of India in Dubai remains steadfast in its mission to serve the Indian community with greater efficiency, and compassion. Whether it is simplifying delivery of services, supporting community welfare, engaging with youth and entrepreneurs, or celebrating Indian festivals and culture — we remain a community-first institution.

As we commemorate this Independence Day with celebration and reflection, I once again extend my heartfelt gratitude to the leadership of the UAE, the Emirati friends, and the Indian community for nurturing this bond and advancing this partnership every day. The road ahead is filled with promise — and we shall march firmly together towards glory.