India-UAE Relations: Milestones in Chronological Order

Here's a chronological list of major and minor milestones in India-UAE relations, along with their context and importance:

Early Ties (Pre-1971):

• Ancient Trade Links (3rd Millennium BCE - 15th Century CE): Strong maritime trade routes existed between the Indus Valley Civilization and Mesopotamia, with the UAE serving as a crucial link. This facilitated cultural exchange and economic prosperity.
• Pearling Industry (16th - 20th Century): The UAE's pearling industry relied heavily on Indian traders and pearl divers, further strengthening people-to-people ties.

Post-Independence (1971 Onwards):

• 1971 - Establishment of Diplomatic Relations: India was one of the first countries to recognize the UAE upon its formation, establishing formal diplomatic relations. This signified India's commitment to engaging with the newly formed nation.
• 1981 - Visit of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan: The UAE's founding father's visit to India laid the foundation for stronger political and economic cooperation.
• 1982 - Setting up of the Joint Commission: The establishment of a Joint Commission for Economic, Technical and Scientific Cooperation formalized and deepened bilateral engagements in various fields.

Strengthening Ties (1990s - 2010s):

• 1990s - Growing Economic Partnership: The 1990s saw a significant increase in bilateral trade, particularly in sectors like textiles, jewelry, and food products.
• 2000s - High-Level Visits & Agreements: Regular exchanges of high-level visits, including Indian Prime Ministers visiting the UAE, resulted in agreements on investment protection, avoidance of double taxation, and cooperation in areas like energy and defense.
• 2014 - Elevation to Strategic Partnership: During the visit of Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to India, the relationship was elevated to a "Strategic Partnership." This signified a higher level of engagement and trust, encompassing political, security, and economic spheres.
• 2015 - Landmark Visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi: This visit further cemented the strategic partnership, with agreements signed in areas like renewable energy, space research, and counter-terrorism.

Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (2017 - Present):

• 2017 - Upgraded to "Comprehensive Strategic Partnership": This significant upgrade, during Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan's visit to India, deepened cooperation in security, defense, counter-terrorism, and intelligence sharing.
• 2018 - Awarded the Zayed Medal to PM Modi: This highest civilian honor bestowed upon PM Modi recognized his contributions to strengthening India-UAE relations.
• 2019 - Awarded the Order of Zayed to PM Modi: This further cemented the strong bond between the two nations and their leaders.
• 2020 - Signing of CEPA: The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) was a landmark achievement, aiming to boost bilateral trade to US$100 billion in the coming years.
• 2022 - Launch of I2U2 Grouping: India and the UAE joined the United States and Israel to form the I2U2 grouping, focusing on collaboration in water, energy, transportation, space, health, and food security.

Significance of the Relationship:

• Economic Powerhouse: The UAE is India's third-largest trading partner and a significant source of foreign direct investment.
• Energy Security: The UAE is a crucial supplier of oil and gas to energy-hungry India.
• Indian Diaspora: The 3.5 million-strong Indian diaspora in the UAE plays a vital role in the economic and social fabric of both nations, acting as a bridge.
• Strategic Convergence: Both nations share common concerns regarding terrorism, extremism, and regional stability, leading to increased cooperation on security matters.

Looking Ahead:

India-UAE relations are poised for continued growth and diversification. With strengthened economic ties, enhanced strategic cooperation, and a vibrant people-to-people connection, the future holds immense potential for a mutually beneficial partnership.