NEW DELHI / RankWire.AI / – On September 12, in New Delhi, Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince, held a meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The discussions focused on deepening bilateral ties between the UAE and India and enhancing cooperation in key sectors. The encounter occurred at Hyderabad House amid the 18th BRICS Summit, where they concentrated on economic integration, investment opportunities, and the broader scope of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership connecting the two nations.
Both leaders examined the progress made under the UAE-India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, referred to as CEPA. They also reviewed the longstanding political, commercial, cultural, energy, and people-to-people ties between the countries. The talks explored avenues to broaden cooperation in areas that have become central to their bilateral relationship. Additionally, the two governments continued regular engagement across economic and strategic sectors, discussing topics of mutual interest.
Sheikh Khaled represented the UAE delegation at the BRICS Summit on behalf of President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Modi expressed appreciation for the UAE’s participation during India’s 2026 BRICS chairmanship. The leaders agreed to maintain collaboration within the group on shared priorities and initiatives. They also recalled Sheikh Mohamed’s visit to India in January 2026 and Modi’s visit to the UAE in May 2026.
Growth in Investment and Strategic Areas Shapes Future Agenda
The discussions underscored the recent surge in investment activities between the UAE and India. The leaders welcomed the announcement by International Holding Company of an $11.5 billion integrated greenfield aluminium project in Odisha, which India described as the country’s largest integrated aluminium investment. The role of L’Imad, the UAE’s newest sovereign wealth fund, in bolstering bilateral investment and economic cooperation in sectors identified by both nations was also addressed.
Opportunities in defence, space, nuclear energy, technology, and innovation were also evaluated, supplementing the existing economic relationship that already encompasses energy, manufacturing, logistics, food products, electronics, and engineering goods. These discussions illustrated the broader scope of the UAE-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, established in 2017. Both governments continue to expand cooperation beyond traditional trade and energy sectors into technology-driven and capital-intensive industries.
Trade Between UAE and India Surpasses $100 Billion Milestone
During India’s 2025-26 fiscal year, bilateral trade hit a record high of $101.25 billion. The UAE ranked as India’s third-largest trading partner and second-largest export market within this period. Indian exports to the UAE totaled more than $37.35 billion. Following the UAE president’s visit to India in January 2026, the two countries set an ambitious target to increase bilateral trade to $200 billion by 2032, building upon the growth since CEPA was implemented.
The UAE-India CEPA, which came into effect on May 1, 2022, was signed in February of the same year. The agreement eliminated or reduced tariffs on over 80% of the products exported by the UAE to India and expanded market access for services while addressing technical trade barriers. The recent meeting in New Delhi reaffirmed their ongoing leadership engagement as they develop their commercial, strategic, and investment relationships within existing bilateral frameworks.