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8 clusters · 16 sources · 52 days · First seen · Last updated

India-UAE commercial and defense cooperation

Overview

India and the United Arab Emirates continue to expand bilateral cooperation across the commercial and defense sectors. Indian brands utilize the UAE as a strategic gateway to Middle Eastern markets, while the defense sector benefits from the shared use of Rafale fighter jets. To support regional maintenance, Safran Aircraft Engines plans to open a specialized military M88 engine repair center in Hyderabad, India, by late 2026. Commercial ties have strengthened following the 2022 implementation of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which has facilitated the removal of 80% of tariffs. Bilateral trade has grown from approximately $73 billion prior to the agreement to roughly $101 billion, with both nations aiming to reach $200 billion by 2032.

Recent defense efforts focused on aligning India’s ‘Make in India’ programme with the UAE’s ‘Make it in the Emirates’ strategy. At the third India–UAE Defence Industry Forum in Abu Dhabi, a 26-member Indian industry delegation met with UAE officials to discuss joint manufacturing, research and development, and supply chain technology, building upon a Strategic Defence Partnership Framework signed in May. While discussions covered advanced technologies, no new production contracts were announced at the event.

On the commercial front, the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ADCCI) is leading a delegation of over 34 companies to Mumbai for the India–UAE Business Forum. Organized with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), the forum aims to connect 114 companies from both nations to explore joint ventures and technological exchange. This follows reported bilateral trade reaching US$101.25 billion in FY 2025–26.

Entities

United Arab Emirates · India · European Union · Narendra Modi · Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers

Timeline

  1. [BUSINESS] 2 sources
    Abu Dhabi Chamber promotes sustainable investment and UAE-India trade

    The Abu Dhabi Chamber is driving economic growth by promoting sustainable city investments and leading a major business delegation to India to expand UAE-India trade partnerships.

  2. [INTERNATIONAL] 3 sources
    UAE expands strategic partnerships with India and the EU

    The UAE is deepening strategic ties with India through joint defence manufacturing discussions and expanding its partnership with the EU in areas of trade, AI, climate, and security.

  3. [INTERNATIONAL] 2 sources
    UAE and India strengthen strategic and defence cooperation

    The UAE and India are strengthening strategic ties through a new defence industry forum in Abu Dhabi and high-level diplomatic discussions focused on economic partnerships and regional stability.

  4. [BUSINESS] 5 sources
    India and UAE strengthen economic ties to target $200 billion trade

    India and the UAE aim to reach $200 billion in bilateral trade by 2032, focusing on advanced technology, the digital economy, and expanded industrial investment under the CEPA framework.

  5. [BUSINESS] 2 sources
    UAE and India explore expanded trade and tourism cooperation

    The UAE and India are discussing expanded cooperation in tourism, trade, and investment, with a specific focus on leveraging the industrial and logistical capabilities of the Indian state of Odisha.

  6. [BUSINESS] 2 sources
    India expands global economic ties with UAE and major powers

    India is strengthening global economic ties, with trade with the UAE exceeding $100 billion and increasing strategic importance to the EU, US, and Russia due to its 7% growth rate.

  7. [INTERNATIONAL] 2 sources
    India and UAE strengthen ties in commerce and defense

    India and the UAE are expanding cooperation in commercial markets and defense, specifically regarding Rafale fighter jet maintenance and regional business expansion.

  8. [BUSINESS] 2 sources
    Egypt and UAE bilateral trade reaches $9.68 billion in 2025

    Egypt and the UAE reached $9.68 billion in bilateral trade in 2025, with Egypt securing a $4.3 billion surplus as exports to the UAE grew by 475% since 2021.

Sources

businesstoday.me · byline.mv · defence.in · economymiddleeast.com · electronicsb2b.com · emirates247.com · europesays.com · habarileo.com · habarizatanzania.com · millenniumpost.in · newsable.asianetnews.com · partageonsleco.com · rtl.be · thelawreporters.com · thoidai.com.vn · world-today-news.com

This summary has been updated 7 times: see revision history