From UAE ports to Indian shores: Centuries of enduring friendship and trade

From the tranquil shores of the Arabian Gulf to the bustling coastline of India, and from Dubai’s historic Deira markets to the ports of Mumbai and the alleys of Kerala, a deep-rooted friendship and vibrant exchange have flourished for centuries between the UAE and India.

Long before the formation of modern states, wooden dhows sailed between the two regions, carrying more than pearls, gold, timber, spices, perfumes, and incense.

They carried trust, mutual interest, and enduring ties that wove together a shared cultural and social fabric. Over time, Indian words became common in Emirati trading lexicons, and Indian cuisine found a beloved place on Emirati tables.

This trade relationship is not just old—it’s historic, documented in the records of ancient Greeks and Romans, and further developed during Islamic rule, Portuguese expansion, and British colonization. Even before the UAE was formed, India had established itself as one of the Gulf’s most vital commercial partners—a position it still holds today.

Formal diplomatic ties were established in 1972 with the opening of the UAE Embassy in New Delhi, followed by the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi in 1973. Since then, bilateral relations have grown year after year, generation after generation.

Today, the UAE is home to a vibrant Indian community of nearly 3 million people who contribute significantly to the country’s economy and serve as a living bridge between the two cultures.

These historic bonds have been continually strengthened by high-level exchanges. In 1975, the UAE’s Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, paid an official visit to India, where he was welcomed by President Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed and Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. He returned in 1992 to sign a landmark agreement to avoid double taxation.

The late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, then Vice President of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, also visited India in 1991, where he held meetings with senior Indian officials.

In more recent years, President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has made four significant visits to India—in 2016, 2017, 2023, and 2024—marking a major leap in bilateral ties. These visits led to the signing of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and multiple agreements and MoUs spanning key sectors.

Indian leaders have reciprocated this engagement. President Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed visited the UAE in 1976, and Prime Minister Indira Gandhi followed in 1981, holding crucial talks with Sheikh Zayed.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has visited the UAE six times over the past decade—a testament to the evolving depth of the relationship.

Continuing this legacy, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defence, is visiting New Delhi today, April 8, 2025. He will hold discussions with senior Indian officials aimed at strengthening strategic cooperation across vital and developmental sectors.

India remains the UAE’s third-largest trading partner, with bilateral trade reaching approximately $60 billion. Yet, the true value of this renewed and time-honored friendship is beyond measure.