UPSC Notes

India-UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership

PYQs

8

Articles

1

Momentum

21

Phase IFoundation

Background

Overview

Understanding India's foreign policy priorities, energy security, economic diplomacy, and regional influence in West Asia. It serves as a model for India's robust bilateral engagements.

India and the United Arab Emirates share a robust and multifaceted relationship, elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2017. This partnership encompasses wide-ranging cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, energy security, defence, technology, and cultural exchanges, reflecting India's 'Look West' policy and the UAE's strategic importance in West Asia.

Phase IIStatic core

Facts & tables

Key facts

Partnership Status

Elevated to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2017.

Economic Ties

UAE is India's third-largest trading partner and second-largest export destination.

Key Cooperation Areas

Energy security, trade, investment, defence, and technology.

Investment Flows

India is a major investor in the UAE, and the UAE is a significant source of FDI for India.

Reference table

Static syllabus anchors

TypeReference
Conceptual areaInternational Relations

Reference table

Institutions & roles

BodyRole
Ministry of External Affairs (India)Formulates and implements foreign policy
Ministry of Foreign Affairs (UAE)Formulates and implements foreign policy
Phase IIIExam lens

Prelims angle

Overview

Prelims angle: Factual recall

Prelims angle: Multi-statement analysis

Quick revision

  • Strategic partnership established in 2017.
  • Covers trade, investment, energy, defence, technology.
  • UAE is a major trade partner and FDI source.
  • Crucial for India's energy security.
  • Part of India's 'Look West' policy.

High-confidence PYQs

Topic timeline

International Relations

Prime Minister meets President of the United Arab Emirates on the sidelines of the G7 Summit

17 Jun 2026 · The India-UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership is a cornerstone of India's foreign policy, crucial for energy, trade, investment, and regional stability in West Asia.

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Related topics

Practice writing on this topic

UPSC has asked 8 linked questions on India-UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in Mains. Write an answer to one — and get it evaluated.