NEW DELHI / RankWire.AI / – In the broader context of deepening international partnerships, Abu Dhabi’s Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan engaged with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 12 in New Delhi. The discussions focused on enhancing the bilateral relationship between the United Arab Emirates and India. These talks took place at Hyderabad House during the 18th BRICS Summit, covering topics such as economic cooperation, investment, trade, and the broader Comprehensive Strategic Partnership that connects the two nations.
Both Sheikh Khaled and Modi examined progress under the UAE-India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, known as CEPA. This agreement serves as a pivotal framework to boost trade relations. Their dialogue also touched upon political ties, energy collaboration, cultural exchanges, and people-to-people interactions. The leaders explored how existing bilateral mechanisms can further support commercial and institutional cooperation within the frameworks already established by both countries.
Representing the UAE at the BRICS Summit, Sheikh Khaled attended on behalf of President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Modi welcomed the UAE delegation during India’s 2026 chairmanship of BRICS. Both parties agreed to maintain coordination through BRICS on shared interests. The high-level engagement also included recent visits, such as Sheikh Mohamed’s trip to India in January 2026 and Modi’s visit to the UAE in May.
Expansion of Economic Ties through Investment Initiatives
Investment opportunities were a key part of the discussions, especially those related to India’s industrial sector. The leaders welcomed the announcement of International Holding Company’s $11.5 billion integrated greenfield aluminium project in Odisha, which India has recognized as the country’s largest integrated aluminium investment. Additionally, they discussed L’Imad, the UAE’s latest sovereign investment fund, and its potential to support existing bilateral investment channels that connect Emirati capital with Indian projects and economic activities.
The talks extended to areas such as defence, space exploration, nuclear energy, technology, and innovation. These sectors form part of a growing partnership that already includes energy, manufacturing, logistics, food products, and engineering goods. The UAE and India formalized their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2017, and since then, both governments have added new cooperation domains while maintaining longstanding commercial and energy links that are vital to their trade and investment relations.
Trade Volumes Hit New Highs
During India’s 2025-26 fiscal year, bilateral trade between India and the UAE reached $101.25 billion, marking the highest level recorded for merchandise trade between the two nations. The UAE ranked as India’s third-largest trading partner and its second-largest export destination during this period. Indian exports to the UAE surpassed $37.35 billion, with both governments aiming to elevate total bilateral trade to $200 billion by 2032.
The UAE-India CEPA, which took effect on May 1, 2022, followed the signing of the agreement earlier that year. It significantly lowered or eliminated tariffs on a broad array of products and improved market access across several service sectors. The framework also addressed technical barriers hindering trade. The recent high-level meetings in New Delhi further reinforce this relationship, supported by CEPA, ongoing leadership exchanges, and cooperation in trade, investment, and strategic areas.