UAE’s Humanitarian Support: India’s Critical Ally During COVID-19 and Beyond
The United Arab Emirates showed great support towards India when it was at its worst during the COVID-19 pandemic, the country donated seven tones of critical medical supplies to help India fight the virus. This was a clear illustration of the States’ corporate social responsibility as a humanitarian move signifying that their friendship goes well beyond basic courtesies. The UAE was fully committed to the health of the international community and such support was magnificently demonstrated by its interventions during one of the most crippling global health shocks of the recent past.
UAE Medical aid to India is part of a larger narrative of the bilateral relationship that has come a long way since India and UAE set up diplomatic relations in 1972. According to Ambassador Dr. Ahmed Abdul Rahman Albanna, the support was informed by the belief to enhance the global fight against the pandemic. The aid package was to help about 7000 medical personnel, which makes it clear and not frivolous in terms of global charity. The UAE has already donated 348 metric tonnes of aid to more than 34 countries puts it as a frontrunner in humanitarian aid.
The bilateral relationship between India and the UAE has reached new heights, especially in the period after the historic visit of PM Narendra Modi to the UAE in August 2015 which was the first by an Indian Prime Minister in 34 years. These have been followed by another meeting that strengthened the ties in later years, such as PM Modi’s February 2024 visit to Abu Dhabi during which he met the Indian community and inaugurated the BAPS Hindu Mandir, the first of its kind in the Arab world. The UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed has also visited India, including attending the G20 Leaders’ Summit and Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit and investment-driven relations have also deepened the bilateral strategic partnership.
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