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The United Arab Emirates and India celebrated the strengthening of bilateral relations during a reception marking India’s 77th Republic Day in Abu Dhabi on January 27, 2026. Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, attended the event hosted by Dr. Deepak Mittal, India’s Ambassador to the UAE, highlighting the deepening UAE-India relations between the two strategic partners.
The reception drew senior officials, Arab and foreign diplomatic mission heads accredited to the UAE, as well as Emirati and Indian business leaders and members of the Indian community residing in the country. The gathering underscored the significance of the Indian diaspora in the Emirates and the multifaceted nature of cooperation between both nations.
Strategic Partnership Between UAE and India
During his remarks at the ceremony, Ambassador Mittal expressed his appreciation for Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan’s attendance, according to the official statement. He thanked the UAE for its continued emphasis on promoting tolerance and coexistence values and for its ongoing support of bilateral relations between the two countries.
The ambassador noted that the occasion provided an opportunity for India to celebrate with a distinguished strategic partner. He praised the UAE’s exceptional achievements over more than five decades, describing the nation’s comprehensive development journey as an inspiring model driven by its leadership’s forward-thinking vision.
Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Framework
Mittal emphasized that the comprehensive strategic partnership between the UAE and India is built on shared ambition and vision. The India-UAE relationship stands on a foundation of mutual trust and common aspirations, positioning both nations for collaborative growth in multiple sectors including trade, technology, and cultural exchange.
Additionally, the ambassador highlighted that the UAE leadership does not merely wait for the future but actively shapes it. This proactive approach has made the Emirates an attractive destination for Indian investment and a key partner in regional stability and economic development.
Deepening Economic and Cultural Ties
The UAE-India relations extend beyond diplomatic formalities to encompass substantial economic cooperation. India represents one of the UAE’s largest trading partners, while the Emirates serves as a crucial investment destination and employment hub for millions of Indian nationals working across various sectors.
Meanwhile, the significant Indian community in the UAE, numbering in the millions, forms one of the largest expatriate populations in the country. This demographic presence has fostered deep cultural connections and people-to-people exchanges that complement governmental cooperation.
In contrast to purely transactional partnerships, the relationship between both nations encompasses collaboration in areas such as renewable energy, space exploration, food security, and technology innovation. However, the foundation remains rooted in historical trading links that date back centuries.
Furthermore, recent years have witnessed accelerated cooperation through high-level visits, trade agreements, and joint initiatives in emerging sectors. The strategic partnership framework provides a roadmap for expanding collaboration in defense, security, and regional stability matters.
The presence of tolerance and coexistence values in UAE policy aligns with India’s own pluralistic traditions, creating common ground for cooperation on interfaith dialogue and cultural understanding. Both nations have emphasized these shared principles as pillars of their bilateral engagement.
Ambassador Mittal expressed confidence that both countries are progressing together toward a more prosperous future, according to the statement released by the Emirates News Agency. The celebration of India’s Republic Day in Abu Dhabi symbolizes the warmth and depth of ties that continue to evolve between the two nations.
As both countries navigate global economic shifts and regional developments, observers anticipate further announcements regarding joint initiatives and expanded cooperation frameworks in coming months. The strategic partnership is expected to deepen across multiple sectors as both nations pursue their respective development visions.
