India and the United Arab Emirates have agreed to significantly deepen their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, setting an ambitious target of doubling bilateral trade to USD 200 billion by 2032.
The decision was taken during high-level talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in New Delhi, reflecting the growing economic, strategic, and geopolitical alignment between the two countries.
India and the UAE on Monday agreed to substantially expand bilateral trade and economic cooperation as Prime Minister Narendra Modi held wide-ranging discussions with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan during his official visit to India.
The leaders reviewed the entire spectrum of bilateral relations and expressed satisfaction over the steady strengthening of ties across political, economic, strategic, defence, and people-to-people domains.
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan arrived in New Delhi on January 19 at the invitation of PM Modi. This marked:
His fifth visit to India in the past decade
His third official visit since assuming office as President of the UAE
The visit underscored the importance both countries attach to their strategic relationship.
The two leaders noted that bilateral trade has seen robust growth since the signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) in 2022.
Bilateral trade reached USD 100 billion in FY 2024–25
New target: USD 200 billion by 2032
To further accelerate economic engagement, both sides agreed to:
Intensify cooperation among Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)
Fast-track initiatives such as:
Bharat Mart
Virtual Trade Corridor
Bharat-Africa Setu
These initiatives aim to promote Indian MSME products across West Asia, Africa, and Eurasia.
The leaders welcomed progress under the Bilateral Investment Treaty signed in 2024 and explored potential UAE participation in the Special Investment Region at Dholera, Gujarat.
Proposed areas of cooperation include:
International airport
Greenfield port
Smart township
Railway connectivity
Energy infrastructure
Aviation-related facilities
PM Modi also invited UAE sovereign wealth funds to participate in the second National Infrastructure Investment Fund (NIIF) Infrastructure Fund, expected to launch in 2026.
Both sides highlighted expanding financial cooperation, welcoming:
Establishment of DP World and First Abu Dhabi Bank branches in GIFT City
This move strengthens India’s ambition to emerge as a global financial services hub.
Energy cooperation featured prominently, with both leaders welcoming:
A 10-year LNG supply agreement between HPCL and ADNOC Gas
Supply of 0.5 million tonnes per annum
Agreement effective from 2028
The two countries also agreed to explore cooperation in advanced nuclear technologies, including:
Large nuclear reactors
Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)
This follows India’s enactment of the SHANTI law, aimed at facilitating civil nuclear collaboration.
The leaders agreed to deepen cooperation in:
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Supercomputing
Data centres
They also discussed the possibility of establishing “Digital Embassies” under mutually recognised sovereignty frameworks.
Sheikh Mohamed expressed support for the AI Impact Summit, which India will host in February 2026.
Space emerged as a new focus area, with both sides agreeing to collaborate on:
Commercialisation of space technologies
Joint space missions
Space start-ups
High-skilled employment generation
The leaders reaffirmed strong defence and security ties and welcomed the signing of a Letter of Intent towards a Strategic Defence Partnership.
They reiterated:
A zero-tolerance approach to terrorism
Continued cooperation under the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) framework to counter terror financing
PM Modi welcomed the UAE’s decision to provide artefacts for the National Maritime Heritage Complex at Lothal.
Both leaders also agreed to:
Establish a ‘House of India’ in Abu Dhabi as a symbol of friendship
Promote youth exchanges
Enhance educational cooperation, including university partnerships and student mobility
The leaders exchanged views on regional and global developments and reaffirmed their commitment to peace, stability, and multilateral cooperation.
UAE supported India’s BRICS Chairmanship in 2026
India backed the UAE’s co-hosting of the 2026 UN Water Conference
The UAE President thanked PM Modi for the warm welcome and hospitality, highlighting the deep mutual trust and shared vision that underpin the India–UAE strategic partnership.