New Delhi: India and the United Arab Emirates on Monday unveiled an expansive roadmap to elevate their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, setting an ambitious target to double bilateral trade to USD 200 billion by 2032 while broadening cooperation across energy, technology, defence and people-to-people exchanges.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who paid his fifth visit to India in a decade, reviewed the full spectrum of bilateral ties and noted the rapid growth in trade since the signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement in 2022, with commerce touching USD 100 billion in FY 2024-25.
The two leaders agreed to fast-track initiatives such as Bharat Mart, the Virtual Trade Corridor and Bharat-Africa Setu to connect MSMEs and expand market access across West Asia, Africa and Eurasia, according to an official joint statement.
They welcomed expanding investment flows following the Bilateral Investment Treaty and explored a potential UAE partnership in developing Gujarat’s Dholera Special Investment Region, including strategic infrastructure such as an international airport, port, smart township and energy facilities. Highlighting the success of the first NIIF Infrastructure Fund, Prime Minister Modi invited UAE sovereign wealth funds to consider participation in the second Infrastructure Fund, scheduled for launch in 2026.
Cooperation in emerging areas featured prominently, with both sides agreeing to deepen collaboration in space, artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure, including exploring “Digital Embassies” and setting up supercomputing and data centre facilities in India. Energy ties were further strengthened with the signing of a 10-year LNG supply agreement between HPCL and ADNOC Gas, and both sides agreed to explore partnerships in advanced nuclear technologies.
The leaders reaffirmed strong defence and security cooperation, condemned terrorism in all forms, and underlined respect for sovereignty and strategic autonomy. They also announced cultural and educational initiatives, including establishing a “House of India” in Abu Dhabi and expanding academic exchanges, reinforcing the people-centric character of the partnership.
