ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of the book. This book draws on the rich work of scholars including Eaton, Onley, Ahmad and Mahajan to offer an overview of the historical ties between the Gulf region and pre-Independence India. It focuses on pre-Independence India due to the intensity of interaction between this part of South Asia and the Gulf before decolonisation and the emergence of the modern state system. The book concludes with an estimate that the quest to advance India-UAE relations in bilateral and regional initiatives has a newfound level of strategic depth and contributes to the enormous potential for collaboration on multilateral forums. There is a mutual recognition between the two countries to use the theory of regional security and multilateralism to advance economic interests, add value to south-south cooperation, contribute to the fulfilment of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and ultimately promote peace and security in the region.
