India-UAE relations reach 'new milestones', Jaishankar says at Symbiosis university launch

Gulf economies, especially the UAE, have undergone remarkable transformations in recent decades, becoming pivotal centres for global connectivity, energy, trade and even education for India.

This progress highlights the strengthening of India-UAE relations, with both countries now entering an "era of new milestones".

That’s according to S. Jaishankar, India’s Minister of External Affairs, during his address on Thursday, marking the launch of Symbiosis International University Dubai.

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He also emphasised how the UAE’s strategic investments in infrastructure have elevated its position as a central player in global air connectivity, making it one of the most accessible and well-connected regions.

Jaishankar said, “If you are looking at trade, energy, employment, mobility, in every metric, this region is becoming more and more crucial and it is also acquiring a political route which I think is very important for resolving global differences. I think there is a strong case to invest in more energy. If I were to look at the foreign policies over the last few decades across the world, to me the relationship with the UAE is one of the relationships that has changed most dramatically for the better.”

“India-UAE ties are today truly in an era of new milestones,” he added. “Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s historic visit in 2015 was the first in the century, and so are our Comprehensive Economic Partnerships (CEPA) for negotiating on record time. The trade and investment levels between our countries are at new levels and increasing with each passing year.”

Investing in diversified energy capacities

Similarly, the minister also discussed establishing new standards for academic institutions internationally, thereby globalising education. “With the inauguration of this campus, Symbiosis International University will set a new benchmark in terms of Indian college education.” He also noted there are over 100 Indian curriculum schools in the UAE.

Jaishankar stressed that the energy sector especially, has established the Gulf as a cornerstone in the global energy landscape, and there’s a strong case for continuing to invest in diversified energy capacities, as this aligns with the region’s growing role in global stability and innovation.

“There are approximately nine million Indians living in the Gulf. If you look at our top 20 trading partners, I would say most of the Gulf economies one way or the other feature in those top 20. If you look at air connectivity, energy, they would be among the most intensely connected destinations and be among the most critical energy sectors.”

He stressed how the UAE has not only adapted to changing global needs but has proactively built partnerships that reinforce its position as a diplomatic and economic bridge with the two countries taking several nascent steps across sectors.

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