Prominent UAE-based Indian lawyer and entrepreneur Harsh Patel (Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook), Founder & Global CEO of Water & Shark, represented India at the prestigious EU–India Leaders Conference held at the European Parliament in Brussels.
The high-profile event, organized by the Europe India Centre for Business & Industry (EICBI), brought together senior European policymakers, diplomats, and industry leaders to strengthen the strategic partnership between India and the European Union.
Among the dignitaries were H.E. Angelika Niebler, Chair of the Delegation for Relations with India; H.E. Vladimir Prebilic, Member of the European Parliament; Mr. Sujit Nair, Chairman of EICBI; Mr. John Alistair Clarke, former Director of International Affairs at the European Commission and ex-Head of the EU Delegation to the WTO and UN; and Dr. Werner Steinhögl, Head of Sector, DG CNECT C3, European Commission.
Representing the UAE–India Voice in Europe
Speaking as a UAE-based Indian legal and tax expert, Patel delivered a thought-provoking address on “Tax and Legal Architecture for EU–India Trade Expansion”, where he emphasized that global partnerships must go beyond commerce and into governance, structure, and sustainability.
“As we deepen the EU–India trade relationship, the conversation must move beyond tariffs and market access — toward architecture and alignment,” Patel said.
“For businesses and families operating between India and Europe, success will depend on how early and how intelligently they structure their operations, wealth, and governance.
The absence of structure often costs more than the absence of opportunity.”
He further explained how the UAE — as a hub for cross-border wealth and business — is playing a vital bridging role between India and Europe, particularly in legal, tax, and regulatory harmonization.
“The UAE’s progressive regulatory ecosystem has become a natural gateway for India–Europe collaboration,” Patel added.
“It combines global accessibility with regional stability, making it the perfect jurisdiction for structured globalization.”
Empowering SMEs and Entrepreneurs
In his second intervention on “SME Participation in EU–India Trade”, Patel emphasized that small and medium enterprises form the backbone of both India and Europe — yet many struggle with complex compliance and fragmented legal systems.
“SMEs are not held back by lack of opportunity but by lack of clarity,” he said.
“We must simplify governance before we liberalize trade. Predictable taxation, mutual recognition of standards, and simplified arbitration will enable SMEs to move from local players to global exporters.”
Shared Vision Between Europe, India, and the UAE
During the conference, both H.E. Angelika Niebler and H.E. Vladimir Prebilic underlined that the relationship between the European Union and India goes beyond a free trade agreement — it represents a partnership grounded in shared democratic values, cultural ties, and mutual respect.
Patel’s insights aligned with this vision, underscoring how UAE-based Indian professionals are uniquely positioned to act as a bridge — combining India’s entrepreneurial dynamism with Europe’s institutional discipline, within the UAE’s world-class financial and legal infrastructure.
About Harsh Patel
Harsh Patel is the Founder & Global CEO of Water & Shark, a multi-jurisdictional legal, tax, and advisory network headquartered in the UAE and operating in over 12 countries.
Recognized by Forbes and several international media outlets, Patel is a lawyer, chartered accountant, and global advisor specializing in cross-border structuring, wealth protection, and succession planning.
He also serves as Legal and Compliance Advisor to the Private Office of H.H. Sheikh Tahnoon bin Saeed bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, and frequently represents the UAE and India in international forums, including the UK Parliament, European Parliament, and TEDx platforms.
A Growing UAE Footprint in Global Policy Dialogues
Patel’s participation at the European Parliament highlights the increasing role of UAE-based Indian professionals in shaping international policy and economic collaboration.
As the UAE continues to strengthen its position as a global hub for diplomacy, finance, and family wealth, such contributions reinforce the nation’s reputation as a bridge between East and West.
“In today’s interconnected world,” Patel concluded, “the UAE stands as a symbol of structured progress — where ideas, investment, and integrity converge.”