Bridging Nations | India UAE-friendship takes flight

In a historic moment at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended a warm welcome to UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, setting the stage for a grand 3 km roadshow from the airport to Indira Bridge. This spectacle not only showcased the robust friendship and cooperation between the two nations but also served as a prelude to the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit (VGGS), inaugurated by PM Modi at the Mahatma Mandir Convention Centre in Gandhinagar.

The VGGS, themed ‘Gateway to the Future,’ highlights the comprehensive partnership between India and the UAE across social, political, economic, and trade frontiers. A testament to this collaboration is the significant growth in bilateral trade, reaching US$ 84.5 billion in 2022-2023, reflecting a 16 percent year-on-year increase. The India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) has further propelled this growth, particularly in non-oil trade.

This year’s summit, attended by global leaders including Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, emphasizes Gujarat’s role as a global business hub and underscores the strategic relationship between India and the UAE. The event hosts top CEOs and business leaders, symbolizing the dynamic economic engagements between the two countries.

The coinciding ‘Global Trade Show’ in Gandhinagar, covering 2 lakh sq meters and featuring sectors like green energy and fintech, positions India as a global trade anchor with over 100 countries participating. The TechEd Pavilion, dedicated to IT and ITES startups, underscores the focus on technology and innovation, showcasing the potential for UAE collaboration in this sphere.

The warm reception of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan by PM Modi, coupled with the vibrancy of the summit, reflects a shared vision for future cooperation. Rooted in the ‘3E’ pillars of Energy, Economy, and Expatriates, this partnership goes beyond politics and trade, encompassing deep cultural and social connections. The Indian expatriate community forms a significant part of the UAE’s social fabric.

As India and the UAE engage in high-level diplomatic and economic dialogues, their collaboration extends to deeper cultural and social realms, signifying a commitment to mutual growth and prosperity. This evolving partnership is poised to unlock new horizons, promising even closer collaboration in the years to come.

PM Modi’s reception of the UAE President, attended by key dignitaries, marks a pivotal moment in the relationship. The ceremonial guard of honour and the enthusiastic welcome by the people of Ahmedabad underscore the significance of this diplomatic visit.

Beyond the UAE President, other global leaders, including Timor Leste President Jose Ramos-Horta, will participate in the Vibrant Gujarat Summit. Started in 2003 under Modi’s leadership, the 10th edition of the summit celebrates ’20 Years of Vibrant Gujarat as the Summit of Success’ with 34 Partner countries and 16 Partner organizations.

The Ministry of Development of the North-Eastern Region also leverages the Vibrant Gujarat platform to showcase investment opportunities in the North-Eastern regions. This comprehensive and collaborative approach sets the tone for a future marked by strengthened ties and shared prosperity between India and the UAE.