The economic and diplomatic relations between the United Arab Emirates and the Republic of India are witnessing rapid growth, driven by the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which came into force in May 2022. Non-oil trade between the two countries rose to $65 billion in 2024, marking a strong growth of 19.7% compared to the previous year.
The Importance of Partnership with India
H.E. Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade, emphasized during his meeting with the Indian Business Council in the UAE that India is a key partner in the UAE’s trade landscape. He explained that discussions focused on maximizing the benefits of CEPA to enhance collaboration between the private sectors of both countries, stressing that UAE–India trade relations go beyond figures to reflect a comprehensive strategic partnership.
CEPA Achievements and Areas of Cooperation
The CEPA with India was the first of its kind under the UAE’s ambitious foreign trade program and succeeded in opening new horizons in several sectors, including:
- Agricultural production
- Renewable energy
- Logistics services
In addition to strengthening partnerships between private sector companies.
New Joint Initiatives in 2025
Al Zeyoudi highlighted key initiatives launched this year to deepen cooperation between the two countries under CEPA, such as:
- UAE–India Start-Up Series: A platform to support entrepreneurs and facilitate access to each other’s markets.
- Bharat Mart: A major commercial complex in the UAE enabling Indian manufacturers and exporters to access global markets.
- Cross-Border Payments Integration: Enhancing financial efficiency and reducing costs and barriers.
- UAE–India CEPA Council: An institutional body to ensure both nations maximize the benefits of the agreement.
Impact on the Global Economy
The CEPA has proven effective by reducing trade barriers and increasing bilateral investment flows, reflected in the sustained growth of trade between the two countries. This progress strengthens the positions of the UAE and India as pivotal partners in the global economy and supports a forward-looking vision of greater integration built on innovation and mutual investment.
The CEPA is no longer just a trade framework; it has become a strategic driver that elevates UAE–India relations to broader levels of integration, making the two countries a model for cross-border economic cooperation, with ambitious goals aligned with their rising prominence in the global economy.
