The UAE has never ceased to amaze me ever since I first set foot in this great nation. The Emirates has given wings to my dreams, and continues to inspire millions of Indians like me from all walks of life. I take immense pleasure in being a part of UAE’s journey that, in a span of just 48 years, has set unparalleled standards in development, excellence and prosperity. Therefore, during important milestones such as the National Day, I feel naturally festive. Recently, on the 2nd of December, the 48th National Day was celebrated in the UAE with great pomp and splendour. The Indian government marked the event with the issuance of a special postal cover etched with the images of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and Mahatma Gandhi. For someone like me, with a deep sense of pride in his Indian heritage and roots, this gesture is heart-warming.
The relationship between the Indian subcontinent and the land that now makes up the UAE goes back centuries. Historians have corroborated the trade between both regions, which was built on spices, dyes and pearls, among other commodities. After the creation of UAE federation in 1971, the relations between the two nations have grown stronger with each passing year, and have especially thrived in the last few years. Today, the Indian diaspora constitute nearly a third of UAE’s population, with a population count in excess of three million. It is my firm belief that even simple institutional gestures of celebration and acknowledgement, go a long way towards strengthening the economic and strategic ties between two nations, who boast such massive potential.
Fathers of the Nations
Growing up in India, Mahatma Gandhi’s principles were part of the national ethos. As a young student, I too developed an abiding faith in the Gandhian principles of truth, non-violence, peace and simplicity, which light my way to this day. Just as Mahatma Gandhi is held in high regard in India and lauded as the ‘Father of the Nation’, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the erstwhile Ruler of Abu Dhabi, is regarded as the founding father and the primary driving force behind the formation of the UAE, and its national ethos.
Sheikh Zayed negotiated extensively with the erstwhile principal sheikhs of the Trucial States, and was instrumental in creating a common platform for the greater good, which culminated in the formation of the UAE. After becoming the Union’s first President, he launched several economic development initiatives, and was instrumental in the Treaty of Jeddah. He was widely regarded as a liberal ruler during the time when liberalism itself was a rare virtue across the globe. Another fascinating detail about Sheikh Zayed is how he viewed his subjects. In one instance, he said, “we are all in the same boat, and we are both the captain and the crew.”
Honouring these two Fathers of their nations, and commemorating the UAE National Day, is a commendable gesture by the Indian Government. The presence of Indian Minister of State for External Affairs, V Muraleedharan, and the UAE Ambassador to India, Dr. Ahmed Al Banna, for the issuance of the special postal cover, was a very commendable gesture of goodwill and fraternity. Such commemorations strengthen the bonds of common values and build bridges between populations.
Bilateral ties – past, present and future
Indira Gandhi, then the Prime Minister of India, made a famous visit to the UAE in 1981, and with that, set the ball rolling for a series of important partnerships. Her visit was marked by several high-profile meetings with the erstwhile Rulers of the Emirates, including Sheikh Zayed, and cultural events organized by the Indian diaspora. Later, in 2015, at the invitation of His Highness Crown Prince Mohamed Bin Zayed AI Nahyan, Narendra Modi became the first Indian Prime Minister to visit the UAE in 34 years.
This historic visit gave a new lease of life to relations between the two nations. The Crown Prince, along with his five brothers, was present to receive the Prime Minister, which, although against protocol, can be perceived as a monumental first step that has since led to several high-profile visits and strengthening ties. The UAE and India have since signed MoUs and agreements pertaining to investments in renewable energy, infrastructure, their space programs, skill development, etc. India has emerged as one of UAE’s largest trading partners and vice versa. The India-UAE bilateral trade was worth a whopping $60 billion in the financial year 2018-19.
I believe India’s commemoration of UAE National Day is a small gesture that carries a big meaning. In a world increasingly plagued by geo-political tensions, this union embodies a culture of oneness-in-diversity. I hope the mutual partnership and cooperation, across political, cultural and economic parameters, reaches new heights in times to come.
