The UAE plans to invest an additional $25 billion in India, further enhancing their economic partnership. Previously, the UAE has invested around $25 billion in India, aiming for a total investment of $100 billion. India and the UAE target doubling bilateral trade to $200 billion by 2032, building on recent trade figures of about $100 billion.
Investment discussions focus on sectors such as ports, shipbuilding, energy security, space technology, fintech, artificial intelligence, and financial services.
A new bilateral working group will address six maritime cooperation areas: ship ownership, modern port development, ship manufacturing, repair and maintenance, ship breaking, and container manufacturing.
UAE investors are also exploring opportunities in new and expanded Indian ports, including Vadhavan port in Maharashtra and other projects along India’s eastern and western coasts. Energy security cooperation includes plans to expand strategic petroleum reserves, increase supplies of LNG and other gases, and study the feasibility of subsea gas pipelines to India.
The countries are also discussing collaboration in space technology and startups, focusing on orbital debris technologies, as well as fintech initiatives integrating India’s digital payment systems with AI and cybersecurity. Recent UAE investments in India include Emirates NBD’s $2.75 billion investment in RBL Bank and International Holding Company’s $1 billion commitment for a controlling stake in Sammaan Capital.
Cooperation extends to food processing, packaging, quality control, and branding to support Indian farmers and MSMEs in expanding food and marine product exports.
Broader discussions cover trade facilitation, taxation, logistics, market access, and financial cooperation, including the potential use of local currencies for bilateral trade.
India aims to leverage its growing free-trade agreements network to enhance market access for farmers, fishermen, MSMEs, and manufacturers. These efforts highlight expanding India-UAE cooperation beyond trade and investment into infrastructure, energy, technology, finance, and export-oriented sectors.
