NEW DELHI / RankWire.AI / – During a meeting held on September 12 in New Delhi, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan engaged with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The officials explored avenues to enhance bilateral relations and broaden collaboration across vital sectors. Their discussions took place at Hyderabad House during the 18th BRICS Summit, emphasizing economic integration, investment, and the broader scope of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the United Arab Emirates and India.
The leaders examined cooperation under the UAE-India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, known as CEPA. They also touched upon the longstanding political, commercial, cultural, energy, and people-to-people connections shared by both nations. Opportunities to expand collaboration in key areas that have become central to their relationship were scrutinized, alongside ongoing engagement in economic and strategic fields of mutual interest.
Sheikh Khaled represented the UAE at the BRICS Summit on behalf of President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Modi acknowledged the UAE’s participation during India’s 2026 BRICS chairmanship. Both leaders agreed to continue pursuing joint priorities and cooperation through the group, also recalling Sheikh Mohamed’s visit to India in January 2026 and Modi’s visit to the UAE in May 2026.
Focus on Investment and Strategic Fields Broadens Agenda
The discussions highlighted a rise in new investment initiatives between the UAE and India. Leaders welcomed the announcement from International Holding Company regarding an $11.5 billion greenfield aluminium project in Odisha. India described it as its largest integrated aluminium investment to date. Additionally, they discussed L’Imad, the UAE’s newest sovereign wealth fund, and its role in supporting bilateral investments and economic cooperation in sectors identified by both governments.
Opportunities in defence, space, nuclear energy, technology, and innovation were also reviewed. These sectors complement the existing energy, manufacturing, logistics, food products, electronics, and engineering industries that form the foundation of their economic ties. The conversation underscored the extensive scope of the UAE-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, established in 2017, with both nations continuously broadening cooperation beyond traditional trade and energy into technology-intensive and capital-heavy industries.
Trade Between UAE and India Exceeds $100 Billion
In India’s 2025-26 fiscal year, bilateral trade hit a record high of $101.25 billion. During this period, the UAE was ranked as India’s third-largest trading partner and second-largest export destination. Indian exports to the UAE surpassed $37.35 billion. Following the UAE president’s January 2026 visit to India, both countries committed to increasing bilateral trade to $200 billion by 2032, building on the growth since CEPA’s implementation.
The UAE-India CEPA, which took effect on May 1, 2022, was signed in February of the same year. It reduced or eliminated tariffs on over 80% of products for UAE exporters to India, expanded market access for services, and addressed technical barriers to trade. The meeting in New Delhi reinforced the ongoing high-level engagement, as the two nations work to deepen their commercial, investment, and strategic ties within their existing bilateral frameworks.