The trade relationship between the UAE and India continues to thrive, with non-oil trade reaching an impressive $37.6 billion in the first half of 2025. This represents a 33.9% increase compared to the same period in 2024, positioning both nations on track to meet their shared goal of reaching $100 billion in annual non-oil trade by 2030.
H.E. Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE’s Minister of State for Foreign Trade, shared these figures with the Emirates News Agency (WAM), highlighting the positive momentum of the economic partnership.
CEPA: A Catalyst for Trade and Investment Growth
The uptick in bilateral trade is largely attributed to the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the UAE and India, signed in February 2022. Since its implementation in May 2022, CEPA has played a pivotal role in boosting both trade and investment between the two countries.
Dr. Al Zeyoudi emphasized that the CEPA has not only provided a significant boost to trade but has also created new opportunities for investments and economic growth. The agreement’s success is underscored by the high-level engagements between both governments, ensuring that the UAE-India economic partnership remains dynamic and forward-looking.
Continued Momentum and Future Prospects
The UAE-India High Level Joint Task Force recently held its 13th meeting in Abu Dhabi, chaired by HH Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Managing Director of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority. The meeting focused on further expanding cooperation under the CEPA and finding ways to enhance trade and investment flows for the mutual benefit of both economies.
Al Zeyoudi emphasized that the partnership is not just about trade but also about achieving shared development goals. He noted that both nations continue to benefit from their growing economic cooperation, which includes accelerating reciprocal investment flows, fostering economic growth, and expanding opportunities for business communities in both countries.
A Promising Future for UAE-India Relations
Looking ahead, the UAE and India remain optimistic about the long-term growth of their economic partnership. Al Zeyoudi stressed that future economic growth prospects for both countries are highly promising. The cooperation will not only increase trade but also ensure that businesses from both countries can thrive and expand, taking advantage of new opportunities in the global market.
This continued collaboration is set to reinforce the UAE and India as key players in the global trade landscape, particularly in sectors such as renewable energy, technology, and manufacturing.
Key Takeaways
- UAE-India non-oil trade reached $37.6 billion in H1 2025, up 33.9% from 2024.
- Both countries aim to achieve $100 billion in annual trade by 2030.
- The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) has played a significant role in boosting bilateral trade and investment.
- UAE-India relations are set to deepen, with a focus on shared development goals and expanding business opportunities.
