UAE expresses solidarity with India and offers condolences over the victims of a helicopter crash in Uttarakhand
The United Arab Emirates has expressed its solidarity with the Republic of India after a helicopter crash in the state of Uttarakhand, in the Himalayas, which resulted in a number of deaths.
In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed its sincere condolences and sympathy to the families of the victims, and to the Republic of India, its government and its people, over this tragedy.
The statement reflects the UAE's practice of voicing its humanitarian stance towards friendly countries at times of accidents and crises, an approach the ministry follows in its official statements when natural disasters or transport accidents occur around the world.
The UAE and India are bound by close relations built on a comprehensive strategic partnership and broad cooperation in trade, investment and energy, alongside deep human and social ties strengthened by the large Indian community living in the UAE.
The statement reflects the UAE's wish to stand by its friends in moments of grief and share their loss directly, underlining the values of human solidarity that are a core pillar of UAE foreign policy. The same values are visible in the country's relief and humanitarian presence in many parts of the world, and in its continuing initiatives to support people affected by disasters and accidents wherever they happen.
Al Majlis Analysis: This position is part of a consistent approach in Emirati diplomacy: moving quickly to declare solidarity with friendly countries in times of accidents and disasters, whatever their scale. Condolences to India carry a particular weight. The relationship between the two countries is a comprehensive strategic partnership that runs from trade and investment to energy, and the UAE is home to one of the largest Indian communities in the world, so a painful event in India is felt by a wide section of the country's residents. Statements like this one show that the strength of a relationship is measured not only by agreements but also by a human presence in difficult moments.