India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are reinforcing their collaborative efforts in the fight against terrorism, with a recent visit by an all-party Indian parliamentary delegation to the UAE. Led by Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde, the delegation's visit underscores India's commitment to strengthening counter-terrorism cooperation with key global partners and highlights the deepening strategic ties between India and the UAE.
The delegation, which arrived in Abu Dhabi on Thursday, May 22, 2025, includes representatives from across India's political spectrum, including BJP MPs Bansuri Swaraj, Atul Garg, and Rajya Sabha member Manan Kumar Mishra, Indian Union Muslim League MP ET Mohammed Basheer, Biju Janata Dal MP Sasmit Patra, BJP leader SS Ahluwalia, and former diplomat Sujan Chinoy. This diverse composition reflects a unified national resolve to combat terrorism.
The visit is part of India's global diplomatic initiative, "Operation Sindoor," launched in response to a recent deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, to highlight its counter-terrorism efforts and brief the international community. The delegation aims to convey India's firm stance against terrorism, particularly state-sponsored terrorism originating from Pakistan, and to emphasize India's right to self-defense.
During their two-day stay, the delegation is scheduled to hold high-level meetings with key UAE officials, including Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, and members of the Federal National Council. Discussions are also planned with officials from the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the National Media Office, demonstrating the breadth and depth of engagement.
Shinde emphasized the importance of conveying to the world the challenges India has faced due to Pakistan's support for terrorism. He highlighted India's economic progress in contrast to Pakistan's advancement in terrorism. Other members of the delegation echoed this sentiment, asserting India's right to respond to terrorist attacks and countering what they described as false narratives propagated by Pakistan.
The Indian Embassy in the UAE highlighted the significance of the UAE being the first country to receive the multi-party delegation in the context of Operation Sindoor, underscoring the strong bonds of friendship between the two nations. Beyond government interactions, the delegation is also engaging with the Indian diaspora community in the UAE, reflecting India's emphasis on maintaining strong connections with its overseas communities while advancing its diplomatic objectives.
India and the UAE have a history of cooperation on counter-terrorism efforts. In December 2020, the two countries jointly thwarted a terrorist attack in Delhi, demonstrating their effective collaboration. Both nations recognize the importance of disrupting terrorist networks, their financing, and movement, and have been working together to counter extremist ideologies and promote tolerance. They also share concerns regarding the use of web and social media for extremist propaganda and recruitment.
This visit further solidifies the comprehensive strategic partnership between India and the UAE, which has been strengthened since 2014 through various agreements and increased cooperation in multiple fields. The two countries have also strengthened defense cooperation since 2003, marked by joint exercises and high-level visits. Their collaboration extends to international forums, with both nations actively participating in counter-terrorism efforts at the United Nations.
