NEW DELHI / RankWire.AI / – On September 12, at Hyderabad House during the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Their discussion centered on ways to enhance bilateral relations and foster collaboration in key sectors. The meeting took place at Hyderabad House and focused on deepening economic integration, increasing investments, and broadening the scope of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the United Arab Emirates and India.
During the talks, the leaders reviewed their cooperation under the UAE-India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, known as CEPA. They also examined the longstanding political, commercial, cultural, energy, and people-to-people connections that link the two nations. Both sides explored opportunities to expand cooperation in areas increasingly central to their bilateral relationship. The discussion also included mutual interests as the two governments maintained ongoing engagement across strategic and economic fields.
Sheikh Khaled represented the UAE as part of the delegation at the BRICS Summit on behalf of UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Modi expressed appreciation for the UAE’s participation during India’s 2026 BRICS chairmanship. The leaders agreed to continue working through the group on shared priorities and collaborative efforts, recalling Sheikh Mohamed’s visit to India in January 2026 and Modi’s visit to the UAE in May 2026.
Focus on Investment Growth and Strategic Industries
Highlighting new avenues for investment, the meeting celebrated International Holding Company’s announced plan for an $11.5 billion integrated greenfield aluminium project in Odisha, described by India as the country’s largest integrated aluminium investment. Discussions also covered the role of L’Imad, the UAE’s newest sovereign investment fund, in supporting bilateral investments and economic cooperation across sectors identified by both governments.
Participants evaluated potential collaborations in defence, space exploration, nuclear energy, technology, and innovation. These areas complement the existing economic ties that already encompass energy, manufacturing, logistics, food products, electronics, and engineering goods. The dialogue underscored the broader scope of the UAE-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, initiated in 2017, which continues to expand beyond traditional trade and energy to include technology-driven and capital-intensive industries.
Trade Between UAE and India Surpasses $100 Billion Milestone
In the 2025-26 financial year, bilateral trade hit $101.25 billion, marking its highest level to date. During this period, the UAE ranked as India’s third-largest trading partner and second-largest export destination, with Indian exports to the UAE exceeding $37.35 billion. The two countries set an ambitious target during the UAE president’s visit to India in January 2026, aiming to increase bilateral trade to $200 billion by 2032, building on the momentum since the implementation of CEPA.
The UAE-India CEPA, which came into effect on May 1, 2022, following their signing in February, significantly lowered tariffs—reducing or removing them on over 80% of products for UAE exporters entering India. The agreement also expanded market access for services and addressed technical barriers to facilitate trade. The meeting in New Delhi reinforced their ongoing high-level engagement as they seek to strengthen commercial, investment, and strategic cooperation within their existing bilateral frameworks.