The Role of India-UAE Ties in Strengthening the Gulf Region’s Stability

Introduction to India-UAE Relations

India and UAE have been known to have significant ties between them since historical times. This cultural affinity and shared aspirations have indeed led to both countries coming together and sharing a stronger bond. India and UAE established diplomatic ties in 1972. While the UAE opened an embassy in India in 1972, the Indian Embassy opened in 1973. While this was definitely the start of India-UAE ties, they were strengthened in 2015. This was the year when Prime Minister Narendra Modi first visited the UAE. As of now, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed is visiting India. It has hence led to the signing of crucial agreements that could strengthen this relationship further.

History of India-UAE Relation

The start of the India-UAE ties could be dated back to the ancient maritime trade across the Indian Ocean, where Indian seafarers used to exchange textiles, spices, and precious stones with the Arabian Gulf, bringing back a lot of dates, pearls, and even rich cultural influences. This trade was more about the economic side, and it hence created a sense of mutual respect along with cultural exchanges. The Malabar coast and the Arabian Peninsula were significant trade hubs.

The discovery of oil in the 20th century also led to the formation of the UAE in 1971. This led to a new chapter of India-UAE ties. India recognized the strategic importance of the UAE and gave ahead a hand in diplomatic relations, which were successfully established. This move further led to an expansion in political, economic, and cultural domains.

Narendra Modi’s visit in 2015 was also of great importance, especially since it was the first time an Indian Prime Minister had visited the UAE. This led to high levels of cooperation in the defence, trade, and energy sectors, critical developments like the UAE-India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, and considerable investment flows.

Significant achievements of the India-UAE relations

After the UAE-India ties were strengthened, both countries indeed achieved many benefits. Here are a few of the ways each relationship has supported both countries in reaching the top levels.

Economic Relations

  • Investment—The UAE invested around USD 20 to 21 billion in India, of which around USD 15.5 billion was used for FDI. ADIA, the UAE’s sovereign wealth fund, also actively invested in many Indian projects, such as renewable energy and the NIIF master fund.
  • Trades – It is to be noted that the India-UAE trade increased from USD 180 million in the 1970s to about USD 85 billion in the year 2022-23. This made UAE as the India’s 3rd most significant trading partner. The signing of CEPA also led to a substantial reduction in tariffs being cut out on goods.
  • Imports—The UAE is an essential partner of India when it comes to ensuring energy security. The UAE tends to export gems, petroleum, chemicals, and minerals to India. Hence, the UAE is India’s fourth-largest source of crude oil and the second-largest partner for LPG and LNG.
  • Exports—UAE is considered to be India’s second-largest export destination after the US, with exports worth USD 31.61 billion in 2022-23. India also exports a rather wide range of goods, such as gems, petroleum, food items, textiles, and even engineering goods.
  • Financial system—In 2023, India and UAE signed a MoU for a Local Currency Settlement (LCS) system that would facilitate better cross-border transactions in AED and INR and enable the use of local currencies.

Geostrategic relations

The Middle East region is undoubtedly a theatre of warfare, such as the Israel-Hamas war or the conflict in Syria. These conflicts have also had major implications for India, for example, the rise of ISIS recruitment from Kerala. It is, hence, important that the India-UAE relationship secure both nations’ external security, especially since the area is also prone to piracy.

People-to-people relations

  • Education—An agreement signed in July 2023 established the IIT Delhi campus in Abu Dhabi, which will offer a variety of programs starting in 2024. Multiple leading universities also have campuses in the UAE.
  • Cultural Relations—In 2021, NYU Abu Dhabi and the Indian Council for Cultural Relations agreed to establish a visiting professorship, which enhanced the academic exchange. A BAPS Mandir is also under construction in Abu Dhabi, and its inauguration is set to occur in 2024, which could also enhance people-to-people ties.

Geopolitical relations

  • Better coordination with regional groups that are antagonistic to India—UAE tends to command significant respect when it comes to regional groupings such as OIC and GCC. An improvement in this relation could also open India’s door to the India-GCC FTA.
  • Cooperation on multilateral forums—India and the UAE have strong cooperation when it comes to the UN. UAE also supports India’s bid entry into the UNSC. UAE was also a guest country at the G20 summit during India’s presidency.

Challenges to the India-UAE Relationship

While the relationship between India and the UAE is undoubtedly one of the top tier, it also has its challenges. Here are a few of the challenges to the India-UAE relationship.

The Kafala system

The welfare and rights of Indian expats in the UAE, mainly blue-collar workers, remain a concern. The inhumane conditions imposed by the Kafala system on immigrants engaged in blue-collar jobs in the UAE are also a major challenge in the relations between India and the UAE. The system gives employers disproportionate control over the migrant workers’ immigration and employment status.

Regional conflict

Conflicts in the Middle East that primarily involve Israel, Palestine, and Lebanon and indirectly involve the US, Iran, and other regional countries could threaten connectivity projects like trade and IMEC. The UAE’s normalization of relations with Israel could also affect India’s relations with Arab countries and Iran.

Non-tariff barriers

Indian exports tend to face hurdles like mandated Halal certification, which could affect the volume of processed foods exported. These non-tariff barriers could also limit India’s market competitiveness and access in the UAE.

Diplomatic balancing act

The need to navigate regional conflicts such as the Hamas-Israel war and tensions between Arab and Iran nations also tends to pose a conflict to the India-UAE ties.

Financial support to Pakistan

The UAE’s assistance in terms of finance towards Pakistan could also convey concerns about the potential misuse of anti-India activities.  

What steps should be taken to enhance the India-UAE relationship further?

It has become essential to devise new ways to strengthen the ties between India and the UAE, which could benefit both countries while also reducing risks.

Focusing on areas of common interests

They are engaging in proactive diplomacy to better align with shared interests and ensure that geopolitical tensions do not impact bilateral relations.

Promoting trade diversification

We could focus more on emerging sectors such as renewable energy, technology, and pharmaceuticals to achieve much more balanced trade relationships along with better economic benefits.

Reformation of the Kafala system

India should actively engage with the United Arab Emirates to reform the Kafala system. For example, Qatar has promised to do so based on India’s insistence.

Establishment of 2+2 dialogue

India should also establish more strategic dialogue platforms, such as India’s 2+2 dialogue with Russia and the US. This includes bringing about reforms in terms of the rights and working conditions of migrant labourers.

Conclusion:

The India-UAE ties have evolved from traditional diplomatic ties to much better goals such as mutual respect, strategic alliance, and a shared future. This partnership, hence, extends beyond political and economic domains and is now highlighting cultural integration and technological cooperation. The future of India-UAE ties also looks promising, with a lot of potential growth in various sectors such as AI, education, and healthcare.

FAQ:

What is the importance of India-UAE relations in the Gulf region?

India-UAE relations are crucial for economic development and stability in the Gulf. Both nations tend to share many strategic interests and cultural exchanges, which could further strengthen both countries.

How has economic cooperation between India and the UAE grown?

India is currently known to be the second largest trading partner of UAE, accounting for almost 9% of the total foreign trade and 14% of non-oil exports. In terms of trade amount, it has increased from USD 180 million per year in the 1970s to USD 84.84 billion per year in 2023

What role do defence ties play in India-UAE relations?

The defence cooperation between UAE and India shows how it is encouraging better economic ties, energy cooperation, and people-to-people connections.

Why are India-UAE defence relations important for the Gulf’s stability?

Maritime security emerged as an essential focus area, reflecting the shared interests of India and the UAE in ensuring safer open sea lanes in the Persian Gulf and Indian Ocean. These waterways are vital for global trade and energy security.

© 2024 Chrysalis High School. All rights reserved. | Designed by DigiGro Privacy Policy

Instagram Linkedin Facebook Share
View Campuses
Admission Enquiry
ADMISSION ENQUIRY
CONTACT
Contact us
ADMISSION ENQUIRY

Chrysalis School is a hidden gem that is absolutely amazing. The experience started when we were driving through in search of school for our kids and saw this attractive newly built school.

Our interaction with school alumni assured us that our child will be in the best hands with the teachers and staff. The faculty and staff truly care about the students and are available around the clock to help with student needs.

Cheers!
Yaduveer Singh & Tanu Chaudhary

I started my journey at Chrysalis High in the third grade, and have been studying in the same till now and from all these years, I can say that Chrysalis High has the best staff and curriculum.

PUPA (Prior Understanding of Pupil Attributes) is a unique method used in Chrysalis High to understand a student’s learning ability, skills and emotions. They gain this knowledge from the parents and us in an effort to understand us better. The extracurricular activities, inter-school competitions, sports and cultural days organised help incorporate fun and games along with academics.

The student council and the elections for its positions familiarise a student with a sense of responsibility and teamwork. Studying at Chrysalis High has helped me grow to my full potential and has indeed trained me for the exam called life.

I would like to thank all the teachers and staff at Chrysalis High for making my learning experience the best.

Indrani-Singh

Ms. Indrani Singh

Chief Vision Officer, Principal, Chrysalis High Marq & Head - Chrysalis Kids

Ms. Indrani Singh possesses a MSc and B.Ed degree to her credit. She has over 10 years of experience in the field of education and has climbed the rungs of leadership with her sheer dedication, hard work and love for her profession. She joined as the Head of Chrysalis Kids in 2013, which is a pre primary school of Chrysalis. Her out of box thinking and her ideology of doing the right thing for the children have helped her to pioneer new processes to make learning an enriching experience for the children. Across a period of seven years, Ms. Indrani Singh has become a flag bearer of Chrysalis vision, especially the PUPA (Prior Understanding of Pupil Attributes) Program. Indrani brought in the idea of Pre-CHAMPS to all Chrysalis schools. Known for her ideation & focus on quality, Indrani leaves no stone unturned to ensure children have a wonderful learning experience at Chrysalis. In 2017, she was made Associate Academic Director – Pre Primary & again promoted to Academic Director – Pre Primary, a role she handles along with the responsibilities of Chrysalis High, Marq. Under her supervision and guidance, many initiatives like Pre-CHAMPS, AwSTEM, Festival of learning were initiated and appreciated by all. Today she handles multitude of responsibilities from heading two schools to overseeing the Pre-Primary Curriculum Team of Chrysalis as the Academic Director. In addition to these profiles, she was recently promoted as Chief Vision Officer to propel PUPA, an initiative of Chrysalis, to greater heights. To this day, her ideas and her sheer determination to always try something different and new makes her a formidable and integral part of Chrysalis. With an unending pandemic looming over us, the future for education looked uncertain. But Ms. Indrani with her belief that learning should not stop for the children, ideated on the perfect balance of online and live class model to suit the learning styles of the children. The plan started with what best would suit the children and also help the working parents who were facing their own challenges and obstacles. The online model started with curriculum videos which the Chrysalis teachers recorded with the right guidance and methodology which was well defined by her. The live classes began with once a week class to slowly introduce the children to digital learning. With children adapting to live class, the sessions increased to add more to their knowledge. Teachers were sensitized about the challenges of live class and how to ensure that they do the right thing for the children and be an integral part in their learning given the circumstances. Providing the right support to parents and the challenges they faced, were also key elements of the whole digital teaching process. Providing individual support to the children was one way to ensure we partnered with parents to provide the right support to the children and ensure that the learning did not stop.

Transport

We provide a fleet of well-maintained buses with trained drivers and lady attendants. Special care is taken while appointing the drivers, to ensure that only the experienced and qualified drivers are appointed after undergoing a driving test. The buses are equipped with safety equipment and a first-aid kit in case of an emergency.

Being GPS enabled, the school can locate the position of a bus at any time during commute and in case of a breakdown, can send a replacement bus instantly. To avoid rash driving and speeding, speed governors are installed in all the buses.

Salient Features

  • Well-networked fleet of buses connecting the school to various parts of the city.
  • Trained drivers in each bus.
  • Trained lady attendants to take care of your child in each bus.
  • Mandatory First-Aid kits in all buses.
  • Regular checking by school administration staff to ensure safety of your child.
  • All buses are GPS enabled and for better monitoring, we have in-bus CCTV system complete with camera and recorder.

Nutrition

The School serves balanced and nutritious vegetarian snacks and lunch to students who have opted for the facility.

To supervise students during lunchtime, a teacher is appointed for monitoring each table. Children are trained to keep themselves clean and display correct dining manners.

Reverse Osmosis systems for purifying drinking water are available across the campus throughout the day.

Student Safety and School Security

safety-and-security

Safety Always a step ahead!

Chrysalis is inarguably the only school where at no point of time, any child is left without supervision of a female teacher!

CCTV Cameras- Entire premises

  • All classrooms
  • Corridors
  • Outdoor areas

Precautionary measures

  • Presence of a female teacher for all CHAMPS activities
  • Presence of a female teacher in all the classes handled by male teachers

Working at Chrysalis High has been a wholesome experience for me. What stands out for me is the support I receive from the school management in standing by my vision and passion as a teacher.

It would not be an exaggeration in the slightest, if I said that I feel always supported by the principal, coordinator and staff in performing my duties to the best of my abilities. This makes me confident that I would be given room to grow as an educator. It feels great to be part of a group that takes meaningful steps towards turning our philosophy and values into action!”

The values we would love to instill in our students at Chrysalis High are strongly rooted in our hearts by our compassionate and efficient school heads and mentors and model them to our students.

The induction programme has been nothing short of immense learning and much-needed guidance to face all our challenges head-on and it has helped prepare ourselves for the year ahead.

At Chrysalis High, I find myself doing what I love to do, staying true to what I strongly believe in and above all I can see myself as a passionate learner with new opportunities to learn each and every day. To top it all, the love and support my students shower on me is an additional perk without which I cannot be the happy teacher that I am today.

Suhasini. S
Secondary Teacher

Chrysalis High team integrates compassion into their teaching standards, emphasizes the importance of values and builds leaders through each of their classes and lessons. It allows for a lower student to teacher ratio. Online teaching during difficult times of Covid – 19 was indeed a huge challenge for all schools but the support provided by the school to transcend the challenge of teaching students by providing apt and timely training to teachers in online teaching methodology is commendable. This has been very useful to students as well as their parents. The teachers had worked hard in coming up with innovative methods of teaching to keep the students up breast with subjects with their enthusiasm intact.  It’s been a wonderful journey for me at Chrysalis High so far.  The entire team works in unison with one thought in mind – the betterment of the children.

My sincere thanks to Principal ma’am, Coordinators and last but not least my colleagues for the constant support and love.

Upasana Banerjee –
Primary Teacher

I am very happy studying at Chrysalis High Bannerghatta Road. I got admission during the lockdown period. The online classes were well organized and very interactive.

I gained a lot of knowledge during online classes, and the teachers understood us quickly and were there for us at all times. Even though we didn’t meet personally, the atmosphere at Chrysalis was always very warm and supportive. Even though online classes were new to everyone, our teachers were able to identify where we were lagging, and they provided Individual Support Classes (ISP).

The teachers are very interactive, friendly with us, and support us to come up with our own ideas. Practical explanation of the subject through STEaM is also one of the most exciting sessions in our school. The teachers also covered extracurricular activities and enrichment activities during the online classes. The warm welcome by the teachers to the offline classes made us more excited to attend school and a day at Chrysalis High with my friends and teachers is something that I eagerly look forward to every day.

Chrysalis High, is a great school which develops a good foundation for kids both academically and also in character building. Both the pre primary and now the primary school years for Samay, have been socially nurturing and academically challenging. Our son loves his school, he has come a long way from his nursery days till today, the 3rd grade.

Everyone at school, be it the Principal, Coordinators, teachers or the administrative staff, all have been really cooperative and supportive. Chrysalis also has one of the best parent – teacher relationship!

Overall, Chrysalis High, has been a wonderful experience for both Samay and us till date. We appreciate the great work and looking forward for more!

Regard,
Kavita

I have been in Chrysalis High BG Road since 2018. The teachers have laid a strong foundation, helped me improve on my basics in all subjects and played a major role in me evolving into the best version of myself. My school has given me many opportunities to develop my leadership skills and I will always feel grateful about that. I have made many friends in the last couple of years, thanks to the warm atmosphere at Chrysalis High. During online classes our school left no stone unturned and even though our classes were online, they ensured we learnt with the same enthusiasm.

My Voyage at Chrysalis High Marq has been spectacular and overwhelming. The school has positive vibes that makes it a beautiful shelter for not only students but also for the teachers. Here at Chrysalis we are motivated to nurture the young minds in the best possible way.

I learnt number of years of work experience is not that counts, what is more important is the quality one possesses through their learning experience. I thoroughly enjoy teaching and unfaltering curiosity.

Chrysalis High is an impressive organization that makes educators feel supported and equipped. I ’am proud to be a part of this institution that strive to take eloquent steps to transform our care philosophy and values into effective action.

I feel privileged to be an integral part of such a proficient and progressive workforce. Chrysalis oozes integrity and excellence that is t=refreshing and essential in our daily duties.

Chrysalis exemplifies what it means to be an organization that is “To help our children excel by understanding them, guiding them on the right path and strengthening their self belief.”

I enjoy working at Chrysalis High because this is a place where high energy meets absolute dedication.As a teacher, each day is a new day for me and I fully value the myriad opportunities that enhance my experience.

I also appreciate the unique working atmosphere and  the collaborative culture  that allows me to grow not only as a professional, but also as a person.

The school provides me with a lot of scope to interact with children and their parents, and this gives me an opportunity  to gain deeper insights into ways to help each of them achieve their academic goals.

The school’s vision for children is a guiding principle for all of us. It is indeed a pleasure to work with my immediate superiors who are both-understanding and supportive in all aspects. Together, I am certain that we will have a mutually enriching and exciting academic year ahead.

Anuradha Shankar Venkataraman,
Employee, Chrysalis High Marq

Chrysalis High Marq has paved new roads of possibilities of learning and fruitful experiences for both teachers such as myself and the students.

The things that are most satisfying for me are the never ending opportunities to learn, perform out of the comfort zone and most importantly the endless love that I receive from the children. Life is a continuous learning process and Chrysalis High Marq has made it possible by giving me many opportunities to be creative in the way I work. The whole team works as a family by supporting and helping each other at any given point of time .

The motivation, appreciation, support and positivity received by us is in turn passed on to our students. The school believes in the holistic development of all its children and takes all the necessary measures to nurture the young minds in a fruitful way. I am extremely proud to be a part of the Chrysalis High Marq family.

Shivani
Educator, Chrysalis High Marq

In the field of Construction, they say- “ A well-designed and strong foundation keeps the building standing while the forces of nature wreak havoc.” The same purpose that a foundation serves for a building, schooling does for our children- ensures they are wholly prepared for the journey called Life!

Having worked for a few schools in the past, I was aware of the paramount role a school plays in the initial nurturing of a child. While joining Chrysalis, I expected a similar school environment as in my past, but to my astonishment, things were incredibly better. While the academics here are indeed exceptional, even better is the focus on the character development of each child. Teachers know their Children really well, beyond just recalling the child’s name; all thanks to initiatives like PUPA. The teachers nurture children in a way that is not just caring and loving but also instills in them qualities like compassion, collaboration, empathy and many more from an early age. Children are also encouraged in a way that they constantly thrive to develop confidence in their own unique abilities.

Well, what we reap is what we sow; and not just the teachers but the whole team in Chrysalis believes in this fact. We work together tirelessly because we know we are nurturing kids to form a responsible and noble generation for the future!

Anjali E
Faculty, Chrysalis High Marq

I have been a student at Chrysalis High Marq for two school years and from what I have experienced, I can tell you it is a great school. The staff is excellent and the rules help keep the school safe and in order.

There is an equal balance of learning and reviewing the information. There are enrichment activity classes as well to where we have life skill and ink well sessions that help in the refinement and polishing of the mind. Chrysalis has initiated many activities for students. We have engrossing and fun-filled Indoor Champs, Performing Arts classes, Buddy interaction time etc. The teachers in Chrysalis are hardworking and determined . I am so proud and lucky to go to Chrysalis!

Sean Lennon
Grade VIII