UAE–India Economic Partnership Expands Through Trade, Investment and Logistics Cooperation

UAE–India Economic Partnership Expands Through Trade, Investment and Logistics Cooperation

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Bilateral trade reaches USD 101.25 billion as both nations strengthen economic ties and work towards a USD 200 billion trade target by 2032.

The United Arab Emirates and India continue to deepen their economic partnership, driven by expanding bilateral trade, investment cooperation and the development of strategic logistics corridors connecting regional and international markets.

Trade between the two countries reached USD 101.25 billion during the 2025–2026 financial year, marking the second consecutive year in which bilateral trade exceeded USD 100 billion. Both nations are now working towards increasing this figure to USD 200 billion by 2032, reflecting their shared commitment to strengthening economic relations.

The partnership has evolved beyond conventional trade activities, with both countries pursuing initiatives designed to improve supply chain connectivity, facilitate investment flows and support greater integration between international markets.

 Major Initiatives Strengthening Economic Connectivity

A number of strategic projects are contributing to closer commercial ties between the UAE and India.

These include Bharat Mart and the Virtual Trade Corridor, alongside cooperation under the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).

The initiatives aim to strengthen logistics networks, improve supply chain integration and establish more efficient connections for the movement of goods between markets.

By enhancing trade infrastructure and connectivity, both countries are creating opportunities for greater economic cooperation and facilitating cross-border investment.

Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement Drives Trade Relations

The UAE–India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) remains a central component of the growing economic relationship.

Implemented in 2022, the agreement was the first of its kind concluded by the UAE and represents an important milestone in the country's international trade strategy.

Since coming into effect, CEPA has contributed to increasing the movement of goods, services and investment between the two economies, while expanding opportunities for private sector participation.

The agreement continues to support the development of commercial relations and stronger business connections across both markets.

UAE and India Strengthen Cooperation Through BRICS

Beyond bilateral trade, the UAE and India are also strengthening their economic engagement through international platforms, including BRICS.

The UAE became a full member of BRICS in January 2024 and is also a member of the New Development Bank, supporting greater economic and financial cooperation among participating countries.

The 18th BRICS Summit opened in New Delhi on 12 September 2026, under the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.”

India held the BRICS presidency in 2026, which also marked the 20th anniversary of the grouping.

These multilateral frameworks provide additional opportunities for participating countries to exchange expertise and strengthen economic cooperation.

Building a Stronger Economic Partnership

The continued expansion of UAE–India trade relations reflects the increasing importance of both countries in regional and international commerce.

With bilateral trade exceeding USD 100 billion for two consecutive years, the partnership continues to develop through trade agreements, infrastructure initiatives and investment cooperation.

The focus on integrated logistics corridors and supply chain connectivity also reflects efforts to strengthen commercial links between both economies and global markets.

As the UAE and India work towards their USD 200 billion trade target by 2032, the development of stronger trade networks and economic partnerships remains a central part of their long-term cooperation.

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