Record Growth in UAE-India Trade through CEPA
India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are experiencing impressive success through their Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), with non-oil trade skyrocketing by 33.9% to reach $37.6 billion in 2025. This remarkable increase is a clear indication of the potential for both nations as they strive to meet their ambitious trade target of $100 billion by 2030.
High-Level Meetings to Strengthen Economic Ties
In a bid to strengthen their economic relationship further, senior officials and business representatives from both countries convened in high-profile meetings across Dubai and Abu Dhabi. These discussions focused on assessing the progress of CEPA since its implementation in May 2022 and outlining the future direction of this vital partnership.
At a recent closed-door session organized by the UAE-India Business Council, prominent figures including Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE’s Minister of Foreign Trade, and Piyush Goyal, India’s Commerce and Industry Minister, engaged in fruitful discussions aimed at evaluating CEPA’s transformative impact.
Impact of CEPA on Bilateral Trade
Since the inception of CEPA, non-oil bilateral trade has shown remarkable growth, with figures hitting $37.6 billion in the first half of 2025. This impressive gain of 33.9% over the same period in 2024 signals a solid momentum towards achieving the targeted $100 billion in trade by 2030.
Dr. Al Zeyoudi highlighted this upward trend, stating, “The agreement has marked a qualitative leap in trade and investment ties, clearly reflected in the growth rates of bilateral trade and investment flows.” This commitment to enhancing trade relations has been supported by high-level visits and meetings, including the recent meeting of the UAE-India High-Level Joint Task Force.
Expansion into Emerging Sectors
Beyond the impressive trade volumes, CEPA has catalyzed significant growth in various sectors, including gems and jewelry, food processing, telecommunications, green energy, and digital services. Moreover, it has fostered collaboration in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, space technology, and sustainability. These developments indicate a robust potential for innovation-led partnership opportunities.
At the recent meeting in Dubai, the UIBC-UC launched a research paper titled “Strength in Synergy: Unlocking India-UAE CEPA Global Potential.” This document emphasizes how the CEPA has evolved beyond a simple trade agreement to become a cornerstone of strategic cooperation between the nations.
A Blueprint for Future Cooperation
According to Faizal Kottikollon, Chairman of UIBC-UC, the partnership is now seen as a comprehensive model for future economic cooperation. He explained that CEPA stands as “a blueprint for the future,” exemplifying how aligned strengths and shared visions can foster a mutually beneficial framework.
The research outlined in the paper highlights pathways for deeper collaborative efforts in clean energy, education, and digital integration, highlighting CEPA as a global model of resilient innovation-led cooperation. It aligns with both India and the UAE’s participation in multilateral initiatives such as BRICS, G20, and the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor.
CEPA: More than Just a Trade Agreement
Dr. Al Zeyoudi mentioned that the UAE-India economic relationship goes beyond mere trade; it creates a platform for shared development goals which stimulate economic growth and promote reciprocal investments. This approach allows both countries to uncover expanded opportunities for their respective business communities.
As CEPA continues to cement its role as one of India’s most significant free trade agreements, it highlights the complementary nature of both economies. The ongoing commitment to enhancing trade relations marks a new chapter in the extensive partnership between India and the UAE.
