The UAE: A Partnership Beyond Oil
The relationship between India and the United Arab Emirates has evolved into a robust strategic partnership that goes far beyond historic trade links. While the UAE remains a vital economic partner and home to over four million Indians, recent developments
show a significant deepening of ties in defence and security. In June 2026, officials from both nations met to advance their strategic defence framework, with discussions centred on defence industry collaboration and maritime security. Reports suggest the UAE has shown interest in acquiring advanced Indian military hardware, including the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, marking a new chapter in the relationship. This growing defence alignment complements the already thriving economic corridor, with bilateral trade consistently crossing the $100 billion mark annually. For the everyday Indian traveller, the UAE has also fine-tuned its visa policies. While most Indians require a pre-arranged e-visa, the visa-on-arrival facility for those holding specific international documents has been expanded. Since February 2025, Indian passport holders with a valid residence permit from countries like Australia, Canada, and Japan—in addition to those with US visas or green cards, or UK/EU residence permits—can get a 14-day visa upon arrival.
Japan: Special Partnership, Special Perks
India and Japan have elevated their relationship to a “Special Strategic and Global Partnership,” with cooperation intensifying across technology, energy, and regional security. A high-level summit is scheduled for early July 2026, expected to focus on building resilient supply chains for critical goods like semiconductors and enhancing cooperation in clean energy. This strategic alignment is a direct response to geopolitical shifts, with both democracies aiming to secure a free and open Indo-Pacific. What makes this partnership particularly noteworthy for Indians is Japan's clear gesture of goodwill on the visa front. While Japan has announced a massive, fivefold visa fee hike for most nationalities effective July 1, 2026, it has explicitly exempted India. The visa fee for Indian nationals will remain a nominal INR 500 for both single and multiple-entry visas, a stark contrast to the new charges for others. Although there is no visa-on-arrival for Indian passport holders, this decision to insulate Indians from the global fee hike underscores Japan's commitment to strengthening people-to-people connections and encouraging more Indian tourists and professionals to visit.
Transit Visas: A Welcome Relief
For Indian international travellers, 2026 has brought some of the most significant and welcome news in years regarding transit visas. Two of Europe's biggest travel hubs, France and Germany, have lifted the requirement for airport transit visas for Indian passport holders. Effective from April 10 and June 3, 2026, respectively, Indians can now transit through airports in these countries to a destination outside the Schengen Area without needing a specific transit visa. This move dramatically simplifies journeys to the Americas and other parts of the world, eliminating a long-standing bureaucratic hurdle. However, it's crucial to understand the fine print. This exemption applies only to airside transit, meaning you cannot leave the international transit zone of the airport. If your flight itinerary involves changing airports or a 'self-transfer' where you need to collect and re-check your baggage, you would still need to pass through immigration and thus require an appropriate Schengen visa. These positive changes highlight a trend of easing rules, but they also serve as a reminder that transit requirements for other popular hubs like the UK can still be strict, making it essential to verify the rules for your specific flight path before you book.
