Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar arrived in the United Arab Emirates on Thursday, November 14, 2024, for an official visit to enhance bilateral relations between India and the UAE. On his arrival, he was welcomed by the Ambassador of India to the UAE, Sanjay Sudhir. The visit underscores the dynamic trajectory of India-UAE ties, which have reached unprecedented levels of cooperation in trade, investment, education, and strategic partnerships.
Inauguration of Symbiosis International University’s Dubai Campus
One of the key highlights of EAM Jaishankar’s visit was the inauguration of Symbiosis International (Deemed University)’s new campus in Dubai. During the opening ceremony, Jaishankar highlighted the importance of educational exchange in deepening the India-UAE relationship. The Symbiosis campus will offer programs in Management, Technology, and Media & Communications, to foster research linkages and collaboration between scholars from both countries. “This campus is not just an educational institution; it represents a broader commitment to educational and cultural exchange,” he said, adding that the campus will help equip students with skills for the modern global workplace.
Mr. Jaishankar expressed confidence that the Symbiosis Dubai campus would replicate the institution’s high standards and prepare students for the demands of the 21st century. “Education is key to equipping our youth with skills in AI, green technology, digital infrastructure, and more. This campus symbolizes how India and the UAE are working together to embrace the future,” he noted.
Strengthening a Strategic Partnership
The growing cooperation between India and the UAE is built on the foundation laid by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s historic visit to the UAE in 2015, the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister in over a century. Jaishankar described this visit as a watershed moment in the bilateral relationship, marking the inception of a Comprehensive and Strategic Partnership between the two nations. This partnership, he noted, has been transformative for both countries, leading to wide-ranging collaborations in various sectors. Underlining the progress made, Jaishankar stated, “India-UAE ties are truly in an era of new milestones. Our Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) was negotiated in record time, setting new standards for trade and economic engagement.”
Trade, Investment, and Fintech Innovations: A New Era of Economic Cooperation
Bilateral trade and investment between India and the UAE have surged to record levels in recent years, with the CEPA facilitating streamlined trade flows and opening new economic channels. India and the UAE are both focused on boosting their fintech sectors, and innovations like the RuPay-Jaywan and UPI-AANE platforms are pioneering efforts that simplify financial transactions between the two countries. “These fintech linkages are the first of their kind and exemplify the pioneering spirit of our relationship,” Jaishankar remarked. The India-UAE economic relationship now encompasses collaborations in renewable energy, digital technology, infrastructure development, and defence. With energy transition and sustainability at the forefront, the Abu Dhabi campus of IIT Delhi launched a Master of Technology program in Energy Transition and Sustainability in January 2024, a reflection of shared goals in the energy sector. Renewable energy, in particular, remains a strategic area of collaboration, as both countries strive to reduce carbon footprints and increase investments in clean energy.
Educational and Cultural Exchanges: Building Bridges for the Future
EAM Jaishankar emphasized that India and the UAE share a commitment to educational exchange, which is fostering a closer, people-to-people connection. Currently, over 100 International Indian Schools in the UAE provide education to more than 300,000 Indian students, who benefit from India’s Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and other recognized certifications like those from the National Institute of Open Studies and Institute of Chartered Accountants. These institutions bridge cultural divides and enhance opportunities for students in both countries.
An MoU signed in November 2023 between India and the UAE further strengthens this cooperation by supporting student and faculty mobility, joint research programs, and educational events. This agreement aims to enrich students’ exposure to a global education, providing them with skills relevant to a rapidly changing world.
Preparing for the Future: The Role of Education in a Global Workplace
In his remarks at the Symbiosis campus, Jaishankar highlighted the need for education systems to align with global trends in technology, clean energy, and sustainability. He stressed that India must prepare its youth for the demands of an international workplace, which requires readiness for advancements in fields such as artificial intelligence, electric mobility, space exploration, and green technologies. Jaishankar emphasized the importance of making these developments not only cutting-edge but also employment-centric and market-viable. “India is committed to equipping its students with the skills necessary to excel in global marketplaces, while also ensuring that these advancements remain sustainable and environment-friendly,” he said.
Since establishing diplomatic relations in 1972, India and the UAE have built a strong bond based on mutual respect, trust, and shared goals. From deepening trade ties to fostering educational collaboration, the relationship today is at a historic high, with both nations committed to addressing global challenges together. As EAM Jaishankar’s visit illustrates, India and the UAE’s shared vision for prosperity, innovation, and sustainable development will continue to shape the future of this partnership.
