India and UAE strengthen economic ties to target $200 billion trade

India and the United Arab Emirates are expanding their strategic and economic partnership, with bilateral trade projected to reach $200 billion by 2032. Current trade stands at approximately $101 billion, a significant increase following the implementation of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) in May 2022.

During the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss deepening ties in energy, investment, and industrial sectors. Discussions highlighted a recent $11.5 billion commitment for a green field integrated aluminum project.

The next phase of the relationship is expected to pivot toward advanced technology, research, and the digital economy. Cooperation is also expanding into emerging fields such as the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), virtual corridors, and tourism. The UAE's participation in BRICS is viewed as a key platform to further facilitate these investment and trade linkages.