India–United Arab Emirates relations

India–United Arab Emirates relations are the bilateral relations that exist between the Republic of India and the United Arab Emirates. Since 3000 B.C., India and the UAE, including its precursor emirates, had close relations with ancient trade networks. Sumerians traded with Meluhha (Indus Valley), Magan (UAE and Oman), and Dilmun (Bahrain), connecting through the UAE. Maritime routes facilitated Arab trade with India for silk, spices, gold, and porcelain. Sumerians traded with Meluhha (Indus Valley), Magan (UAE and Oman), and Dilmun (Bahrain), connecting through the UAE. Maritime routes facilitated Arab trade with India for silk, spices, gold, and porcelain. Post-1971, India-UAE relations strengthened politically, economically, and culturally.

They are both in I2U2 Group. Indians also make up the largest ethnic group in the UAE, making up roughly 38% of UAE's total residents. India is UAE's largest exports destination & trading partner with bilateral trade turnover of US$68.4 billion during the calendar year 2021. UAE's exports to India stood at US$43.04 billion while India's exports to UAE stood at US$25.4 billion. In 2022 India & UAE signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with an aim of taking bilateral trade to US$100 billion within 5 years.

India and the UAE have strengthened defense cooperation since 2003, marked by joint exercises like Desert Eagle and Gulf Star-1.The Annual Defense Dialogue and high-level visits have played pivotal roles. Counter-terrorism collaboration, including successful operations against terrorists, has been a focus since 2014. Notably, in December 2020, India and the UAE thwarted a terrorist attack in Delhi.

India and the UAE, since 2014, have deepened ties with various agreements. PM Modi and President Al Nahyan's rapport is highlighted. Future-plans include the first overseas IIT and a Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi, symbolizing harmony, which was inaugurated on February 14, 2024.