Indian Ambassador Calls Diaspora Vital Bridge for UAE Ties

Deepak Mittal, the Indian Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, said 4.5 million Indians living in the UAE act as a vital bridge between nations ^[1].

The diaspora's presence is critical for deepening bilateral relations across trade, investment, technology, education, and tourism. As the two countries seek closer strategic alignment, the people-to-people connections provided by these residents facilitate smoother economic integration and cultural exchange.

Mittal said the Indian community strengthens the cultural and strategic ties that bind India and the UAE ^[1]. This human connection is mirrored by UAE officials; Reem Al Hashimy, a UAE Minister, said every Emirati likely has a connection with India.

The scale of this influence extends across the broader region. The Indian diaspora in the Gulf is estimated at nine million people ^[2]. This vast network serves as a primary driver of economic flow, though recent geopolitical instability has introduced new vulnerabilities.

According to reports from March, remittances to India—which exceed $50 billion ^[2]—are currently at risk due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The stability of these financial flows is closely tied to the security and employment of the diaspora population in the region.

Despite these external pressures, the ambassador said the resident population remains a cornerstone of the relationship ^[1]. The strategic partnership continues to rely on the ability of these millions of individuals to navigate and integrate into the Emirati economy while maintaining strong links to their home country.