Kiran Sharma

In a significant step towards bolstering the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and the UAE, External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr. S. Jaishankar embarked on an official visit to the UAE from January 27-29, 2025. This visit not only underscores the deepening ties between the two nations but also aims to inject fresh momentum into their multi-faceted relationship. Raisina Middle East Keynote Address A major highlight of the visit is Dr. Jaishankar’s keynote address at the inaugural session of Raisina Middle East, a prestigious forum being held in Abu Dhabi. This event serves as a platform for global leaders, policymakers, and scholars to discuss pressing geopolitical and economic issues, with a focus on the Middle East. Dr. Jaishankar’s participation underscores India’s growing role in shaping regional and global discourse. High-Level Meetings in Dubai During his Dubai visit, EAM Jaishankar is slated to meet with the UAE’s leadership to review the close partnership and explo...

T he UAE recently played host to a dynamic showcase of Indian innovation and entrepreneurial spirit at the Innovator and Investor Summit, hosted by the Indian People Forum’s Business and Professional Council in Dubai. The summit wasn't just a networking event; it was a testament to India's burgeoning role as a global innovation hub, highlighting the ambition and drive of Indian startups poised for global impact. A Celebration of Courage, Vision, and Relentless Pursuit: The summit brought together Indian diaspora entrepreneurs, investors, and thought leaders, creating a powerful platform for collaboration and the exchange of ideas. Keynote speaker Sridhar S. Iyengar, CFO (Real Estate & Infrastructure) at Mubadala, emphasized that entrepreneurship is more than just building a business; it's about personal branding, professional growth, and transforming bold ideas into tangible realities. He perfectly captured the essence of the event with the theme "From Startup to S...

In a heartfelt display of solidarity, the United Arab Emirates continues its unwavering support for Lebanon through the “UAE Stands with Lebanon” campaign. The latest milestone in this initiative came with the dispatch of the 23rd relief plane, carrying a remarkable 35 tonnes of medical supplies to Beirut International Airport. This gesture not only underscores the UAE's humanitarian commitment but also provides critical aid to a country grappling with significant healthcare challenges. The Aid in Numbers 35 tonnes of medical supplies delivered. 23rd relief plane under the “UAE Stands with Lebanon” campaign. Supplies include advanced medical devices, hospital equipment, and essential items needed to support health centers and hospitals throughout Lebanon. This substantial aid package arrives at a time when Lebanon’s healthcare infrastructure is under immense strain, making the UAE’s support all the more impactful. Leadership Behind the Initiative This humanitarian effort reflects ...

The UAE has once again proven its leadership in the global automotive sector by attracting a staggering 145 foreign automotive projects in 2024, with a total value surpassing $22 billion. The country has not only topped the Arab list but also positioned itself as the best and most attractive destination for investment and business in the automotive industry. According to the Arab Investment and Export Credit Guarantee Corporation (Dhaman), this achievement highlights the UAE’s growing influence and status in the global marketplace. The report, which covers data from 2003 to 2024, reveals that five Arab nations—Saudi Arabia, Morocco, the UAE, Algeria, and Egypt—have secured 145 foreign automotive projects, accounting for 79% of the total. These projects are valued at more than $22 billion, representing 89% of the total investment in the Arab world. But the most significant takeaway is the fact that these ventures have generated over 91,000 new jobs, with the UAE playing a central role. ...

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and India share a historic partnership deeply rooted in cultural, economic, and strategic alignment. Over the years, this relationship has flourished, creating avenues for collaboration in trade, energy, technology, and diplomacy. With Narendra Modi embarking on his third term as Prime Minister of India, the UAE is well-positioned to play a pivotal role in supporting India’s global ambitions. As the deputy chief executive officer of a firm focused on business development in the UAE, I see immense potential for entrepreneurs and business leaders in these two countries to strengthen ties further. Below, we explore key areas of opportunity and provide actionable advice for leveraging this dynamic partnership. The UAE As A Gateway To Global Opportunities The UAE stands out as a launchpad for Indian businesses seeking access to Middle Eastern, African, and European markets. Its strategic location, world-class infrastructure, and business-friendly policies make...

India’s food sector has witnessed remarkable growth in recent years, propelling the country into a key position within the global agricultural landscape. This surge in agricultural and food exports has not only strengthened India's economic resilience but also paved the way for strategic partnerships with nations across the world. Among these, the India-UAE relationship stands out as a testament to the power of economic cooperation, with food trade and investment forming a central pillar of their partnership. Strengthening Bilateral Ties India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) share a long history of trade relations that date back to ancient times. However, the bond between the two nations has deepened significantly since the unification of the UAE in 1971. Over the decades, these ties have flourished, particularly following India’s economic liberalization in the early 1990s, which paved the way for a more open and competitive economy. The UAE, with its strategic location as a re...

In a significant gesture of strengthening bilateral ties, President Droupadi Murmu welcomed President Tharman Shanmugaratnam of Singapore to Rashtrapati Bhavan during his state visit to India. The occasion marked yet another chapter in the robust and multi-faceted relationship shared by the two nations, characterized by historical depth and modern relevance. A Warm Reception President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, who recently assumed office as Singapore’s President, was accorded a ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan, reflecting the high regard India holds for its partnership with Singapore. President Murmu, while addressing the gathering, highlighted the enduring bonds between the two countries, deeply rooted in centuries-old commercial exchanges, cultural affinity, and people-to-people connections. A Relationship Built on Historical Foundations India and Singapore share a rich history of interactions that dates back to ancient times when the Indian subcontinent was a key trading partn...

On January 14, 2025, the UAE's most advanced Earth-imaging satellite, MBZ-SAT, successfully launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. This marks another major achievement in the UAE's ambitious space journey, as the satellite will revolutionize Earth observation with its unparalleled imaging capabilities. MBZ-SAT, weighing 700 kilograms, is named in honor of President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and reflects the UAE’s dedication to advancing in space exploration. This satellite will provide high-resolution data for global scientific research and practical applications, including monitoring climate change, urban development, and natural disaster response. A Significant Milestone for Emirati Engineers MBZ-SAT is the second satellite developed entirely by Emirati engineers at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC), a testament to the UAE’s commitment to fostering homegrown talent and innovation in the space sector. The satellite's launch further emphasizes the...

The 1 Billion Followers Summit 2025 concluded in Duba i with a transformative vision for the future of content creation, drawing a record-breaking audience and catalyzing unprecedented investments. Hosted at iconic venues such as Emirates Towers, Dubai International Financial Center (DIFC), and the Museum of the Future, this third edition firmly established itself as the world’s largest platform dedicated to the content creation economy. A Summit Like No Other Organized by the UAE Government Media Office under the theme “Content For Good,” the summit welcomed over 15,000 content creators, influencers, and industry leaders alongside 420 globally renowned speakers. The event highlighted innovative ideas, groundbreaking initiatives, and impactful collaborations aimed at shaping a sustainable and dynamic content economy. “The remarkable success of the 1 Billion Followers Summit provides a strong impetus for further growth in future editions. It underscores the UAE’s strategic vision of fos...

The UAE and India have once again demonstrated their shared commitment to advancing scientific research and combating climate change by signing a landmark agreement to collaborate on polar research. This partnership marks a significant leap forward in understanding the planet’s most fragile and critical ecosystems—the Arctic and Antarctic regions. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Emirates Polar Program and India’s National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) was formalized during the 15th UAE-India Joint Committee Meeting. Leading the signing were H.E. Abdulla Balalaa, Assistant Minister for Energy and Sustainable Affairs and Deputy Chair of the UAE Polar Mission Steering Committee, and Dr. M. Ravichandran, Secretary in India’s Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES). Harnessing Complementary Strengths This collaboration brings together the UAE’s growing ambitions in polar science and India’s decades of experience in polar research. India’s scientific endeavors in th...

I n a significant diplomatic engagement, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met the Acting Foreign Minister of Afghanistan, Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi, in Dubai. The discussions, held on January 10, 2025, reflected India’s steadfast commitment to the welfare of the Afghan people and regional stability. Focus on Humanitarian Assistance and Development The meeting underscored India’s ongoing efforts to support Afghanistan during challenging times. Foreign Secretary Misri reiterated India’s readiness to provide further humanitarian and developmental assistance to address the pressing needs of the Afghan people. This includes: Promoting Trade and Commerce : Both sides agreed to enhance trade through initiatives like the Chabahar port, which serves as a critical gateway for economic activities in the region. Health Sector Support : India will extend its assistance to bolster Afghanistan’s healthcare infrastructure, ensuring better access to medical facilities and essential services. Rehabilitat...

In a landmark decision to bolster its position as a global electronics manufacturing hub, India has approved a nearly $3 billion (approximately ₹25,000 crore) incentive scheme. This initiative aims to stimulate local production of electronics components, reduce dependence on imports, and propel the nation’s vision of self-reliance in the high-tech sector. Strategic Importance of the Scheme The electronics sector is pivotal to India’s economic growth, contributing significantly to GDP and employment generation. However, the nation has historically relied heavily on imports for critical components such as semiconductors, display units, and printed circuit boards (PCBs). This dependence has exposed the industry to global supply chain disruptions and geopolitical tensions. The new incentive scheme is a calculated move to address these vulnerabilities and strengthen domestic manufacturing capabilities. The scheme focuses on incentivizing the production of key electronic components, includin...

In a landmark transaction set to redefine Maharashtra's industrial landscape, Reliance Industries has acquired the state’s largest industrial land parcel. Spanning a massive 5,286 acres, the land is strategically located in Navi Mumbai, close to major infrastructure hubs like the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport, the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT), and the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL). This deal, valued at Rs 2,200 crore, is poised to create significant ripples in the region's industrial and economic ecosystem. A Strategic Masterstroke The acquisition underscores Reliance Industries' vision to leverage the unparalleled connectivity and strategic advantages offered by the location. Navi Mumbai, with its burgeoning infrastructure, has emerged as a key industrial and logistics hub. Proximity to the international airport ensures seamless global trade connectivity, while JNPT, one of India’s largest ports, offers robust maritime logistics support. The MTHL, onc...

Union Home Minister Amit Shah recently released a significant book titled ‘Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh: Through the Ages,’ which chronicles the rich history, culture, and contributions of these northernmost regions of India. The book was launched during a special event that underscored the historical and strategic importance of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh in the Indian context. A Testament to Historical Legacy The book offers a comprehensive account of the journey of Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh through the annals of history. It delves into their ancient roots, medieval influences, and modern-day transformations, painting a vivid picture of their cultural heritage, traditions, and resilience. The author(s) have meticulously gathered facts, anecdotes, and historical records to showcase the regions’ pivotal role in shaping India's identity. A Vision for the Future While the book focuses on the past, it also touches upon the transformation these regions have witnessed in recent years. A...