India and the UAE took a decisive step to advance their economic partnership at a high-level meeting in Dubai on Monday, where top officials and business leaders from both nations highlighted the success of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and its expanding global significance.
The closed-door meeting, hosted by the UAE-India Business Council – UAE Chapter (UIBC-UC), was attended by Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of Foreign Trade, and Piyush Goyal, India’s Commerce and Industry Minister. Their presence underscored the strategic priority both governments attach to strengthening bilateral economic ties.
Discussions centered on CEPA’s transformative impact since its implementation. In the first half of 2025 alone, non-oil trade between the two nations surged to US$37.6 billion, marking a 33.9 percent year-on-year increase. Beyond trade volumes, the pact has fueled growth in sectors such as gems and jewellery, food processing, telecom, green energy, and digital services.
The agreement has also opened new avenues in artificial intelligence, space technology, sustainability, and financial integration. Indian states are leveraging CEPA to attract investments, empower small and medium enterprises, and expand their global export reach, further embedding the economic partnership at a grassroots level.
At the meeting, UIBC-UC launched its new research paper, Strength in Synergy: Unlocking India-UAE CEPA Global Potential. The study positions CEPA as more than a trade pact, describing it as a blueprint for innovation-led cooperation and a model of cross-regional collaboration.
The report calls for deeper engagement in clean energy, education, research, digital integration, and human capital development, reinforcing the shared vision of India and the UAE to shape global trade governance and sustainable growth.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
