UAE-India trade crosses $100 billion. Now the two countries are targeting $200 billion

Trade between the United Arab Emirates and India topped $100 billion for a second consecutive year in the 2025-26 financial year, as economic ties deepen under the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).

Bilateral trade reached $101.25 billion during the financial year, up from $60 billion when the CEPA entered into force in 2022.

The CEPA, the UAE’s first bilateral trade deal, has helped expand trade in goods and services and create new opportunities for businesses in both countries.

Trade between the two countries spans petroleum products, gems and jewelry, food, textiles, chemicals, electronic goods, and engineering products. Investment has also grown across sectors including energy, infrastructure, private equity, financial services and real estate.

The partnership is expanding into logistics, investment, and supply-chain connectivity, with initiatives including Bharat Mart and a Virtual Trade Corridor, as well as cooperation under the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).

The initiatives aim to facilitate the movement of goods and investment between the two countries and to connect them with wider global markets.

Cross-border private-sector investment is also expected to grow, particularly in banking and financial services.

Beyond their bilateral relationship, the UAE and India also cooperate through BRICS. The UAE became a full member of the group in January 2024 and is also a member of the New Development Bank, established by the BRICS countries to finance infrastructure and sustainable development projects.

The 18th BRICS Summit opened in New Delhi on September 12 under India’s presidency, with the two-day meeting focused on “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Co-operation and Sustainability.”