India-UAE Trade crossed the magic figures of $100 billion, and the UAE has become India’s third-largest trade partner.
Dubai/New Delhi: The UAE and India have successfully reached the landmark figure of $100 billion in bilateral trade. H.E. Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade, shared his delight over this achievement in a conversation with The Brew News. H.E. Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi said that “The ongoing and ever-strengthening dialogue between our business communities continues to thrive. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to both sides for not only achieving but surpassing our $100 billion bilateral trade target ahead of schedule. This milestone is a clear testament to the immense potential of cooperation and demonstrates that we are capable of achieving even greater heights when we work together.
The UAE-India relationship is truly special—reflected not only in the robust economic and investment figures but also in the deep-rooted people-to-people connections that bind our nations. In an increasingly complex geopolitical and geoeconomic landscape, our partnership stands as a model of resilience and mutual benefit. I am confident that together, we can further elevate our collaboration and inspire others to follow our path.
The success of this trade achievement spans a diverse range of industries—agriculture, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, electronics, minerals, and precious metals like gold and silver have all played key roles. Our longstanding cooperation in the oil and gas sector remains foundational as well. This diversity is a strength we are committed to maintaining and expanding. Business councils such as the UAE-India Business Council (UIBC) and IBPC have been instrumental in driving momentum over the past two years. Their continued efforts are vital to ensuring this exceptional partnership continues to grow.” Dr. Thani was speaking at India Today India-UAE Conclave.
Business Community Applauds UAE-India Trade Milestone
Following the landmark achievement of $100 billion in bilateral trade between the UAE and India, the business community has expressed immense pride and appreciation for the leadership of both governments.
Paras Shahdadpuri, Chairman of the NIKAI Group of Companies, lauded the milestone, saying: “This is an incredible achievement under the framework of CEPA. There is undeniable synergy between India and the UAE. Today, our partnership goes far beyond trade—it’s truly comprehensive. I can confidently say that we don’t have this level of collaboration with any other nation. Our cooperation spans sectors such as solar energy, space, defence, education, and more.
Reaching this $100 billion mark is a moment of immense pride, especially considering the UAE’s comparatively smaller population. Notably, India has only reached this trade volume with China, the USA, and now the UAE—placing us in elite company. This success is a direct result of the close cooperation, seamless collaboration, and the establishment of multiple economic corridors between our two nations.”
“This growing trade relationship reflects the deep-rooted synergy we share, and I’m proud to be a part of this remarkable growth story.” Paras Shahdadpuri added.
Kamal Vachani, Group Director and Partner of the Al Maya Group, shared his views on the strengthening trade ties between India and the UAE:
“Following the CEPA agreement, Al Maya Group and Indian companies have become highly active in trade. The India-UAE relationship has always been strong, and over the years, it has evolved into a remarkable partnership. Today, the two nations are among each other’s largest trading partners, not just in trade volume but also in financial and business ties.
With over four million Indians living in the UAE, this connection goes beyond economics—it’s cultural and human as well. Earlier, trade largely focused on staple products like tea, coffee, and sugar. But now, we are seeing a far more diverse range of goods being imported, including items that were previously unheard of in this region—many of them now being sourced directly from India.
This growing trade ecosystem is mutually beneficial. It opens new markets for Indian products and offers UAE consumers more variety. We have recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Jammu & Kashmir government to import a range of premium products, including walnuts, saffron, and more.
This is a promising step forward that will enhance bilateral trade and further deepen economic collaboration between our two countries.”
Dr. Sahitya Chaturvedi, Secretary General of IBPC Dubai, remarked that the $100 billion trade achievement between India and the UAE marks just the beginning of a much larger journey.
“This milestone is only the start—there are numerous untapped sectors where Indian talent is ready and waiting for opportunities. Several areas remain unexplored, and this is just the opening of a much bigger window.
For instance, digital trade and the digital economy are not only the future—they are already shaping the present. With the rapid rise of fintech, the development of India’s GIFT City, and the strength of the UAE’s DIFC, we are witnessing the emergence of a powerful ecosystem.
Digital transformation is the next big chapter in our bilateral collaboration—and that chapter is still waiting to be unlocked.”
Chandra Shekhar Bhatia, Chairman of GBF Middle East, hailed the UAE-India trade achievement as a defining moment in the evolving economic partnership between the two nations.
“Reaching the $100 billion mark is not just a symbolic milestone—it is a strong validation of the strategic vision, commitment, and trust shared by the leadership of the UAE and India. It reflects the powerful synergy between two dynamic economies and their forward-looking business ecosystems.
As the Chairman of GBF Middle East, I see this achievement as a foundation for future opportunities. There is immense potential yet to be explored in areas such as green energy, AI, digital trade, logistics, and advanced manufacturing. The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) has set the stage, and now it’s time for businesses across both countries to innovate and expand further.”
The UAE has always been a gateway for Indian enterprises to reach global markets, while India offers scale, talent, and innovation. Together, we are creating an inclusive and robust trade framework that will not only benefit our two nations but also contribute to global economic resilience. This is a proud moment, and we look forward to an even more vibrant chapter in UAE-India cooperation,” Chandra Shekhar Bhatia added.
