Abu Dhabi [UAE], May 14: UAE Minister Reem Al Hashimy has underscored the strong people-to-people connections between the UAE and India, noting that almost every Emirati has “some connection with India” in one way or another. Speaking to ANI ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit tomorrow, she highlighted the vital role of trade in the bilateral relationship, spanning everything from clothing to spices, and stressed that the future of both nations is intertwined.

“Many Emiratis have links with India. Several members of my own family, for instance, travel to India for medical treatment and rely on Indian herbal knowledge, which they compare with our own traditional remedies. Emiratis, like Indians, have a deep respect for traditional medicine,” she said.

Minister Al Hashimy emphasized the importance of trade and human connections, adding, “Trade has always been a crucial part of our relationship—whether it’s the clothes we wear, the spices we use, or other human-to-human ties. One thing is certain: the future cannot be imagined without a strong India and a strong UAE. The milestones we are witnessing, including tomorrow’s visit and likely future visits by our leadership to India, demonstrate our trajectory from strength to strength.”

She also lauded the contributions of the Indian diaspora in the UAE. “With nearly 4.5 million Indians living among us, we constantly learn from each other and grow stronger together. I am confident that we will continue to unlock new opportunities through these shared connections.”

Looking ahead, the minister spoke of the untapped potential in bilateral ties. “Every time we feel we’ve reached a peak, we discover another summit to climb. Our landmark CEPA (Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement) helped us surpass $100 billion in trade, and now we are aiming even higher—toward $200 billion in trade,” she concluded.