With the inauguration of IIT Delhi’s Abu Dhabi campus on September 2, India and the UAE have opened a new chapter in their bilateral relations as this will not only pave the way for international academic collaborations but also research opportunities, and cultural exchanges between the two nations
The inauguration of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi’s Abu Dhabi campus coincides with India's growing global influence in higher education.

It is the second overseas campus of the IIT system, after Zanzibar, Tanzania, indicating India's increasing use of education as a soft power tool to forge stronger diplomatic relationships with its friends and allies in the world.

This expansion reflects India's commitment to positioning itself as a global hub for knowledge, technology, and innovation, while also supporting its broader geopolitical and economic goals.

A strategic move in education diplomacy
The establishment of the Abu Dhabi campus reflects a sophisticated form of “education diplomacy,” where India uses its academic institutions and intellectual exchanges as soft power tools to enhance relationships.

India has long understood the value of higher education in establishing its global footprint. IITs are synonymous with academic excellence and innovation, particularly in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

In fact, it can be seen as a calculated move in diplomacy, signaling a deepening of India-UAE relations. The UAE has been striving to diversify its economy, reducing its reliance on oil by investing heavily in education, technology, and innovation.

By partnering with one of India’s premier institutions, the UAE seems to have furthered its commitment to becoming a knowledge-based economy. 
For India, this offers a unique opportunity to export its academic excellence and influence, thus strengthening its position as a leader in the global knowledge economy.

Enhancing bilateral relations through exchange of knowledge
The relationship between India and the UAE has traditionally been built on trade, energy, and the large Indian expatriate community in the Gulf. However, in recent years, both nations have recognized the importance of broadening this partnership.

The opening of IIT Delhi’s Abu Dhabi campus serves as a powerful new chapter in this evolving relationship, as education becomes a vital bridge between the two nations.

This collaboration between India and the UAE in higher education is more than just symbolic. For India, it opens doors to international academic collaborations, research opportunities, and cultural exchanges.

It allows Indian students and faculty to gain global exposure while fostering a spirit of intellectual collaboration with their Emirati counterparts. For the UAE, it secures access to India’s world-class academic and research talent, helping to bolster its own higher education sector.

The mutual benefits of this partnership cannot be overstated. Indian students and researchers can engage with cutting-edge research and development initiatives in the UAE, particularly in fields like artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and cybersecurity.

At the same time, Emirati students will gain access to the rigorous and highly respected IIT curriculum, helping to nurture a generation of future innovators and entrepreneurs.

Role of soft power diplomacy to strengthen ties
India’s strength in technology, particularly in software development, has long been a driving force behind its global influence. This so-called "software diplomacy" is central to the relationship between India and the UAE.

The opening of the Abu Dhabi campus further deepens this connection by focusing on research areas that align with the UAE’s technological ambitions.

The UAE, as part of its Vision 2030 strategy, has committed itself to becoming a global leader in technology and innovation.

The government of the country has invested heavily in sectors such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and clean energy—areas that align well with the expertise India has cultivated through its elite institutions, especially IITs.

Through the Abu Dhabi campus, the UAE gains direct access to Indian expertise in cutting-edge knowledge.

Conversely, the partnership offers Indian researchers and startups an invaluable opportunity to collaborate with their Emirati counterparts, opening doors to new innovations and business ventures.

This collaboration strengthens India's standing as a global leader in the tech space while allowing the UAE to achieve its ambitions of becoming a hub for technological innovation.

A broader geopolitical move
The opening of the Abu Dhabi campus is more than an academic venture. It reflects a broader geopolitical move. India’s education diplomacy is not just about exporting knowledge; it is about cementing relationships that contribute to regional stability and economic growth.

The UAE has long been a strategic ally for India, and deepening ties through education reflects a recognition that economic diversification and innovation are key to future growth.

By partnering with the UAE, India also positions itself as a key player in the region’s broader development. The Middle East, particularly the Gulf states, is in the midst of an economic transformation.

Countries like the UAE are looking to diversify their economies, with education and technology at the forefront of their strategies. This presents a unique opportunity for India to be a part of this transformation.

As India continues to expand its global educational footprint, the opening of IIT Delhi’s Abu Dhabi campus represents a pivotal moment in the evolution of India’s education diplomacy.

 It is not merely about setting up a campus overseas but about establishing India as a key player in global knowledge exchange. Education diplomacy allows India to build long-term, sustainable relationships with partner countries, based on mutual respect and shared interests.

This partnership offers the chance to leverage India’s academic excellence and technological expertise into UAE’s educational framework, while India simultaneously creates a platform to strengthen its influence in the region, using education as a tool to foster innovation, development, and economic growth.

Conclusion
In the coming years, the success of the Abu Dhabi IIT campus will likely set the stage for similar initiatives in other parts of the world.
As India continues to invest in its global educational ambitions, the impact on its soft power and international standing will grow. The future of India’s education diplomacy is bright, and its influence is poised to extend far beyond traditional borders.

As both India and the UAE continue to innovate and grow, their partnership in education will serve as a model for how nations can collaborate to achieve shared goals in economic development, technological advancement, and global leadership.

 *** The writer is a Bengaluru-based journalist; views expressed here are her personal