The relationship between the UAE and India is flourishing, especially in the field of education, according to Sunjay Sudhir, the Indian Ambassador to the UAE. Sudhir emphasized that the rapid and positive evolution of bilateral relations between India and the UAE is largely due to the visionary leadership on both sides. This was highlighted during the 78th Indian Independence Day celebrations at the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi, where the tricolour flag was hoisted, and hundreds of Indian expats gathered to commemorate the event.
The ambassador noted the frequent interactions between President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, describing these strong ties as 'quite unprecedented between any two countries'. He further stated that the friendship between India and the UAE serves as a model, demonstrating the power of shared values and mutual respect.
Sudhir also discussed significant educational milestones, including the recent opening of the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) office in Dubai and the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IITD) – Abu Dhabi campus. The CBSE office, which began operations last month, serves 105 CBSE-affiliated schools and 325,000 students in the UAE. Additionally, the master’s program at IIT Delhi – Abu Dhabi started in early 2024, with plans for the bachelor’s program to begin in September 2024. Discussions are underway with the Dubai government to establish a campus of the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad (IIM-A).
The ambassador praised the inauguration of the BAPS Hindu Mandir in February, the first traditional sandstone temple in the Middle East, as a 'shining example' of the deepening relationship. He also assured the Indian expat community of enhanced consular and community services, noting the efforts of the embassy and consulate in providing welfare services. Sudhir commended the over 3.5 million Indian expats in the UAE for their significant contributions to the country's economic development.
