India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are strengthening their comprehensive strategic partnership through enhanced cooperation in consular, visa, and legal matters. The 6th meeting of the India–UAE Joint Committee on Consular Affairs (JCCA) held in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, highlighted progress in easing visa policies, coordinating extradition processes, and providing mutual legal assistance.
The Indian delegation, led by Arun Kumar Chatterjee, Secretary (Consular, Passport, Visa and Overseas Indian Affairs), Ministry of External Affairs, and the UAE side, headed by Omar Obaid AlHesan AlShamsi, Undersecretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, engaged in productive discussions preceded by technical-level meetings. Both sides acknowledged the significant Indian community residing in the UAE as a crucial element of their relationship, reaffirming their dedication to protecting the welfare and dignity of their respective citizens.
Since the last JCCA meeting in New Delhi in May 2024, both countries have made strides in several key areas. These include improved information sharing and consular access, which ensures better communication and support for citizens of both nations. Faster coordination on mutual legal assistance and extradition cases is also a priority, streamlining the legal processes involved. Furthermore, both countries are working towards a gradual easing of visa policies to facilitate smoother travel and exchange. A structured review mechanism has been established to monitor and enhance cooperation in these areas.
Extradition between the UAE and India is governed by an agreement signed in 1999, designed to ensure that individuals accused or convicted of serious crimes do not escape justice by fleeing to the other country. The treaty covers offenses punishable by imprisonment of at least one year in both countries, including terrorism, fraud, and money laundering. Extradition is not granted for political or war crimes, or if the accused faces torture or an unfair trial. A recent Supreme Court case affirmed India's right to bring back offenders evading the law, underscoring the importance of extradition treaties.
Mutual legal assistance is another critical aspect of the India-UAE partnership. Requests for legal assistance are made through the central authorities of each country, which are the Ministry of Law, Justice & Company Affairs in India and the Ministry of Justice in the UAE. This cooperation extends to serving summons, judicial documents, and commissions, as well as executing judgments and arbitral awards in civil and commercial matters.
The ongoing collaboration between India and the UAE signifies a commitment to strengthening their relationship and ensuring the safety and well-being of their citizens. The 7th JCCA meeting, scheduled to be hosted by India in 2026, will provide further opportunities to advance these shared goals.
