India vs UAE: Asia Cup 2025 Clash and Strengthening Bilateral Ties Highlight UAE-India Relations

The Asia Cup 2025 witnessed a commanding performance by India against the United Arab Emirates, alongside ongoing efforts to deepen the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two nations.

In a Group A match held at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, India decisively bowled out UAE for a mere 57 runs, marking UAE's lowest-ever score in Asia Cup T20 history and the second-lowest total overall in the tournament. Kuldeep Yadav was the standout bowler, taking four wickets, including a remarkable three-wicket over, while Shivam Dube also took three wickets. India’s bowling unit dismantled the UAE batting lineup swiftly, securing all wickets within a 31-run margin after UAE was initially at 26/0. The dominant bowling performance set a low target of 58 for India, who are ranked No.1 in the world. This match is crucial as it warms up India for their key fixture against rivals Pakistan later in the tournament.

India’s squad showed tactical depth with a mix of all-rounders to maintain batting strength and bowling variety, with notable players like Shubman Gill returning as opener and strong contributions from Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, and others. The UAE team, despite their experience in recent tri-series involving Pakistan and Afghanistan, struggled under pressure but gained valuable exposure facing top-tier opponents.

Beyond the cricket field, India and UAE have recently engaged in high-level diplomatic discussions reinforcing their bilateral ties. On September 10, 2025, Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met UAE’s Minister of State for International Cooperation, following a reaffirming phone call in July between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UAE’s President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Both sides emphasized significant progress in their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and expressed keen interest in expanding collaboration across sectors for mutual prosperity and sustainable development.

Sheikh Mohamed congratulated PM Modi on becoming India’s second longest-serving Prime Minister, indicating strong personal and governmental rapport. These diplomatic exchanges underpin the growing economic, cultural, and strategic cooperation between India and UAE, complementing the spirit of sporting engagement demonstrated in the Asia Cup.

The India vs UAE cricket match and the diplomatic developments together reflect a multifaceted relationship evolving on both competitive and cooperative fronts, illustrating a dynamic Asia-Pacific regional partnership.