The visit comes at a time when India and the UAE are enhancing cooperation across various sectors, from trade and investment to technology and cultural exchanges. A statement from the Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that during his visit, Jaishankar will engage with UAE leadership to discuss the growth of their partnership and explore avenues for further strengthening collaboration in areas such as economic development, security, and regional stability.

A major highlight of the visit will be Jaishankar’s keynote address at the inaugural session of Raisina Middle East in Abu Dhabi. This platform, known for fostering political dialogue on key issues, will allow the minister to discuss important regional and global topics in the presence of influential policymakers, experts, and thought leaders.

The ties between India and the UAE date back to 1972 when diplomatic relations were first established. Over the decades, the two nations have nurtured a strong and dynamic partnership. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s landmark visit to the UAE in 2015 marked a pivotal moment, paving the way for increased cooperation in various fields. In 2023, Modi’s participation at the COP28 World Climate Action Summit in Dubai further cemented this growing relationship, signaling a commitment to tackling global challenges together.

One of the key pillars of India-UAE relations is the large Indian diaspora in the UAE, which constitutes about 35% of the country’s population. With over 3.5 million Indians residing in the UAE, they form the largest ethnic group, playing an integral role in the country’s economy and society. The Indian community in the UAE has evolved over the years from predominantly blue-collar workers to a diverse and highly skilled workforce that contributes significantly to various sectors, including business, healthcare, and engineering.

The cultural and social contributions of the Indian diaspora are equally important. Many members of the community have received prestigious awards, such as the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award and the Padma awards, in recognition of their exceptional contributions to the UAE’s growth and development. Indian community organizations have also been pivotal in providing social welfare support and in leading humanitarian efforts, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic when their collective initiatives helped alleviate the impact of the crisis.

Jaishankar’s visit to the UAE represents an opportunity to build on this robust foundation, focusing on strengthening ties in both the political and economic spheres. As the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership continues to evolve, India and the UAE are poised to deepen their cooperation, ensuring a prosperous future for both nations and their peoples.

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In his acceptance remarks, streamed on the social media platform X,

Jaishankar expressed gratitude to the SIES, one of India’s oldest educational societies, for the exceptional honour. He reflected on the enduring contributions of Maha Periyavar, including the celebrated musical composition “Maithreem Bhajatham,” which advocates universal brotherhood and compassion. He emphasized the international reach and influence of Maha Periyavar’s vision, noting how his teachings resonate on the global stage.

Jaishankar’s speech underscored India’s emergence as an independent power committed to global welfare, particularly the well-being of the Global South. He emphasized the importance of self-confidence in the nation’s capabilities, urging people to disregard voices that undermine India’s potential. “This confidence,” he stated, “is what makes India a timeless reality in an ever-changing world.”

He pointed out that India’s growing assertiveness stems from a sense of independence, which does not signify distancing from dominant global narratives but instead reflects India’s ability to approach challenges with unique solutions. Citing examples, he highlighted India’s advocacy for diplomacy and dialogue during conflicts when much of the world had turned away, its uncompromising stance on terrorism, its support for the African Union in the G20, and its leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic. These actions, he said, showcase India’s commitment to doing what is right for its national interest and the global good.

Jaishankar clarified that independence should not be mistaken for neutrality. “Bharat can never permit others to have a veto on its choices,” he declared, emphasizing that the nation’s decisions are guided by its interests and moral compass. He also pointed to India’s promotion of Shree Anna (millets), Yoga, and its broader civilizational heritage as examples of how the country is deepening its global influence.

The minister highlighted that a strong belief in India’s capabilities, coupled with a recognition of its rich traditions and heritage, will shape its journey toward prosperity. He credited the teachings of Maha Periyavar as a guiding force in this transformative journey, asserting that such values will continue to drive India’s aspirations on the global stage.

This honour recognizes Jaishankar’s pivotal role in shaping India’s foreign policy and his efforts to position Bharat as a nation of significance in the evolving global order.

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Jaishankar noted that the Quad, a diplomatic partnership between Australia, India, Japan, and the United States, has evolved significantly since its revival. He acknowledged that the Trump administration deserves considerable credit for this growth, recalling how it initially launched the Quad’s resurgence, first at a vice ministerial level in 2017 and later at the foreign minister’s level in 2019.

Speaking about the Quad’s impact, Jaishankar stated, “The Quad was actually restarted by the Trump administration. In fact, 2017, the first year of Trump’s presidency, marked the beginning of the process. By 2020, amidst the global lockdown, one of the few physical diplomatic meetings was a Quad meeting in Tokyo. The fact that the Quad has since advanced validates the judgment of the Trump administration.”

Jaishankar also addressed concerns about America’s role in international alliances, particularly President Trump’s views on burden-sharing. He stressed that such concerns don’t apply to the Quad, as each member “pays their fair share” in this multilateral collaboration. He likened the arrangement to “everyone splitting the bill” at a dinner, where all countries contribute equitably to the partnership’s goals.

In response to a question about potential concerns within the Quad about India’s role, Jaishankar referred to debates among the member nations over differences in policy. He shared that, at times, some Indian voices had referred to Japan as a “weak link,” while acknowledging that such discussions are part of the natural evolution of any alliance with diverse histories. Jaishankar further added that, in earlier stages, Australia had expressed doubts about the Quad’s future, but these phases of uncertainty have passed.

Today, Jaishankar asserted, the Quad is stronger than ever. “I don’t think there is a weak link in the Quad at all,” he said, highlighting how the group continues to gain momentum, meeting regularly at various levels, and growing both in scope and significance. He pointed out that key figures such as Mike Pompeo and Tony Blinken have consistently highlighted the Quad as one of their major diplomatic achievements.

Looking ahead, Jaishankar confirmed that, at the request of the United States, India will host the next Quad Leaders’ Summit in 2025. This summit will follow a series of Quad summits, including the first virtual summit in 2021, the first in-person summit in Washington in 2021, and subsequent summits held in Japan and Hiroshima.

With the Quad continuing to thrive and expand its agenda, Jaishankar’s comments underscore its growing importance on the global stage and its role as a model of international cooperation.

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