By Tajdar H. Zaidi
New Delhi: In a significant step towards strengthening India’s global mobility and deepening bilateral ties, India and the United Arab Emirates have made substantial progress in liberalising visa policies, simplifying travel between the two nations.
The development emerged during the meeting of the India–UAE Joint Committee on Consular Affairs (JCCA) held in Abu Dhabi, where both sides engaged in extensive discussions on consular cooperation and citizen welfare.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the talks led to breakthroughs across four crucial areas — liberalisation of visa norms, enhanced information sharing and consular access, expedited cooperation on extradition cases, and mutual legal assistance.
The commitment to strengthening institutional coordination is expected to make travel, stay, and legal processes significantly smoother for citizens of both countries.
The MEA highlighted that the dialogue unfolded in an atmosphere of “traditional warmth and cooperation”, reflecting the strong and comprehensive strategic partnership that characterises the India–UAE relationship.
The ministry expressed gratitude for the UAE’s continued support for the large and influential Indian diaspora, which serves as a key pillar in bilateral engagement.
With over 3.5 million Indians residing in the UAE, the second largest Indian expatriate community globally, improvements in visa access and consular services will prove transformative, ranging from easier travel for tourism, education, medical treatment, and business, to faster resolution in legal matters and emergency support.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring the safety, dignity, and well-being of their citizens living in each other’s countries,” the MEA statement added.
The relationship between India and the UAE has grown exponentially since Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s landmark visit in August 2015, after which the partnership was elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
The signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) in 2022 marked a major milestone, boosting bilateral trade to record heights and driving extensive people-to-people and business connections.
The latest advancements in visa simplification, information access, and legal cooperation are expected to substantially benefit students, professionals, workers, entrepreneurs, and families who frequently travel between the two nations.
It also reinforces shared confidence in a future built on economic progress, mobility, and mutual prosperity.
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