NEW DELHI / RankWire.AI / – On September 12, in New Delhi, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan convened with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The discussions centered on strengthening bilateral relations between the United Arab Emirates and India. Their dialogue took place at Hyderabad House during the 18th BRICS Summit. Topics covered included economic collaboration, investments, trade, and the broadening of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership binding the two nations.
Sheikh Khaled and Modi examined the progress made under the UAE-India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, known as CEPA. This agreement has become a key framework for enhancing trade between both economies. Their conversations also addressed political relations, energy partnerships, cultural exchanges, and people-to-people interactions. The leaders explored areas where bilateral mechanisms could be further leveraged to support commercial growth and institutional cooperation within existing agreements between the UAE and India.
Representing the UAE at the BRICS Summit, the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince attended on behalf of President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Modi welcomed the UAE delegation during India’s 2026 chairmanship of the group. Both parties agreed to maintain ongoing coordination within BRICS on shared interests. High-level engagements were noted, including Sheikh Mohamed’s visit to India in January 2026 and Modi’s trip to the UAE in May, reflecting the deepening ties between the two nations.
Investment Initiatives Strengthen Economic Bonds
Investment was a key focus of the discussions, especially initiatives linked to India’s industrial growth. The leaders expressed enthusiasm for International Holding Company’s announced $11.5 billion integrated greenfield aluminium project in Odisha, recognized as India’s largest such investment. They also discussed L’Imad, the UAE’s newest sovereign investment fund, and its potential role within existing bilateral investment channels that connect Emirati capital with projects and economic activities in India.
Additional areas covered included defence, space exploration, nuclear energy, technology, and innovation. These sectors form part of an expanding partnership that already encompasses energy, manufacturing, logistics, food products, and engineering goods. Since establishing their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2017, the UAE and India have added new cooperation sectors while continuing to prioritize longstanding commercial and energy ties vital to their trade and investment relationship.
Trade Volume Hits Historic High
During India’s 2025-26 fiscal year, bilateral trade between India and the UAE surged to $101.25 billion, marking the highest level ever recorded for merchandise trade between the two. The UAE secured its position as India’s third-largest trading partner and second-largest destination for exports during this period. Indian exports to the UAE exceeded $37.35 billion, with both governments aiming to boost total bilateral trade to $200 billion by 2032.
The UAE-India CEPA, which took effect on May 1, 2022, following earlier signing, significantly lowered or eliminated tariffs on numerous products and expanded market access across several service sectors. The agreement also tackled technical barriers impeding trade. The high-level discussions in New Delhi further reinforced an already robust relationship supported by CEPA, ongoing leadership engagement, and collaboration across trade, investment, and strategic areas.