Relations between the Gulf region and India go back centuries. Not long ago, these ties largely centred on civilisational links, age-old maritime trade and vibrant people-to-people contacts. Today, their ties are not just deeper and wider, but their mutual dependence is stronger than ever. This has been underscored by the first “strategic dialogue”, held between the UAE and India on Friday, ahead of the three-day India visit of Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, beginning on Tuesday.
The honour accorded to Sheikh Mohammed – who will be the chief guest at its Republic Day celebrations – once again highlights not just the strength and importance of bilateral relations, but the new track that these ties have taken, especially since India’s prime minister Narendra Modi’s visit here in 2015, followed by Sheikh Mohammed’s trip to India last year.
A significant aspect of bilateral relations today is the closer focus on security and counter-terrorism issues, but there is still detail to be fleshed out. As KC Singh, a former Indian ambassador to the UAE, pointed out: “The UAE would like clarity on the Indian approach to Iran, and India would likewise want to assess the UAE’s relations with Pakistan and Afghanistan.”
Security and business aside, there are many common factors that naturally bind the two countries together – from their recognition of the need to develop sustainable energy to their rejection of any link between religion and terrorism, their mutual respect for the principles of national sovereignty and their focus on knowledge economy.
Based on these shared values and objectives, the two countries now have a solid ground to take their relationship to the next level. The success will take many forms – greater regional security and stability, partnership in clean energy and advanced technology and greater economic prosperity. The possibilities are endless.
