India and the United Arab Emirates are reinforcing their partnership to support political and economic stability in the region. This cooperation builds on historical ties that date back to ancient maritime routes in the Arabian Sea, where both nations exchanged spices, pearls, textiles, and metals.

Over time, India and the UAE have developed robust socio-economic growth individually, but their collaborative efforts serve as a model for successful bilateral relationships worldwide. Despite their differences in governance, geography, and foreign policy, they share a common vision for a progressive future.

Recently, to explore India’s ‘Look West Policy in Action’, the Centre for Public Policy Research in Kochi, in collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs of the Government of India, organized the “Kochi Dialogues 2025” on January 16th and 17th, 2025. This event brought together diplomats, ministers, and influencers from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and India. During the event, discussions focused on the role of the Indian diaspora in the UAE and its economic contributions, highlighting the fact that the Indian community represents nearly four million people within the UAE’s population.

In the fiscal year 2022-23, the UAE emerged as the fourth largest investor in India, with FDI inflows rising dramatically from $1.03 billion in 2021-22 to $3.35 billion. The UAE has also seen a surge in golden visa approvals, which doubled in 2023 to 158,000 from 79,617 in 2022. This golden visa scheme has stimulated demand in the UAE real estate market, with Indians being among the top three investor nationalities. Between 2015 and 2021, Indian investments in Dubai real estate are estimated to be worth around Dh84 billion.

As an Indian entrepreneur who has navigated the UAE business landscape for over 30 years, Mathew expressed satisfaction with the evolving dynamics between India and the UAE. He highlighted the strengthening of trade ecosystems, geopolitical alignment, and sustainable connections within the diaspora as key outcomes of their partnership.