Diaspora as a Catalyst in India-United Arab Emirates (UAE) Cooperation

Abstract

The Indian diaspora plays a crucial role in developing strong bilateral synergies between India and the UAE. The collaboration includes remittances, trade, connectivity, tourism, education, health, culture and cuisine, among other things. The quantum of investment and trade cooperation between both countries explains the depth of their relationship. This penetration is linked to the Indian diaspora, which shapes the constituents of meaningful cooperation. The Indian migrant inflow into the UAE started to increase in the 1970s, drawn by the oil economy, coupled with global events such as globalisation and economic liberalisation. The UAE’s political dispensation, albeit conservative, has allowed the diasporic communities the space to pursue their aspirations in myriad fields. The Indian diaspora capitalises on this scope for shared success. Therefore, this paper examines the constituents of bilateralism, the India–UAE partnership and their mutual dependencies, and the role of the Indian diaspora as a significant factor in the bilateral exercise.