Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed’s official trip to India holds great importance for UAE-India bilateral relations

 

His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed is making his first official visit to India, accompanied by several UAE ministers and a business delegation. The visit marks a significant step in strengthening UAE-India bilateral relations.

Upon his arrival on September 8, Sheikh Khaled was welcomed by India's Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal. His visit includes a comprehensive agenda, with discussions between Sheikh Khaled and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi focusing on key areas of bilateral cooperation. Additionally, Sheikh Khaled is scheduled to meet with Indian President Droupadi Murmu. The ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict may also be part of the dialogue, as reported by NDTV.

On the second day, Sheikh Khaled is expected to participate in a business forum in Mumbai, attended by business leaders from both nations, further underscoring the growing trade and investment ties between the UAE and India.

The UAE and India have a long-standing relationship, established in 1972, which has deepened through regular high-level visits. Prime Minister Modi has visited the UAE seven times during his tenure, including a recent visit in February where he inaugurated a Baps Hindu Temple in Abu Dhabi, built on land gifted by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed.

India is the UAE’s second-largest trading partner after China, and the UAE ranks as one of India’s key export destinations. In 2022, the two nations signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) to boost trade, aiming for $100 billion by 2030. Bilateral trade has since grown, reaching $84.5 billion in FY23. The UAE is also a top foreign direct investor in India, supported by a Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT).

Besides trade, the 3.5 million-strong Indian diaspora in the UAE plays a vital role in the country's economy. Recent developments include the central banks of both nations facilitating transactions in local currencies (Dirhams and Rupees), and linking India's UPI with the UAE's payment system, benefiting millions of Indians in the region.

Beyond financial ties, defense and security cooperation between the UAE and India has strengthened, including joint naval and air exercises, high-level exchanges, and an annual defense dialogue. Both countries also collaborate on multilateral fronts, participating in forums such as the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, the India-UAE-France trilateral initiative, I2U2, and BRICS.