India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have set an ambitious target to double their bilateral trade to $200 billion by 2032, underscoring the deepening strategic, economic, and technological partnership between the two countries. The commitment was announced following talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in New Delhi, according to a joint statement issued after their meeting.

The two leaders reviewed the significant progress made since the signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) in 2022, which has acted as a catalyst for trade expansion. Bilateral trade has already reached approximately $100 billion in the financial year 2024–25, reflecting rapid growth across goods, services, and investments.

Prime Minister Modi and President Sheikh Mohamed welcomed the outcomes of recent institutional engagements, including the 13th High-Level Task Force on Investments held in September 2025 and the 16th India-UAE Joint Commission Meeting and fifth Strategic Dialogue convened in December 2025. Both sides agreed to further strengthen cooperation by enhancing linkages between Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the two economies.

To support MSME integration, the leaders called for swift implementation of flagship initiatives such as Bharat Mart, the Virtual Trade Corridor, and the Bharat-Africa Setu. These platforms aim to promote Indian and Emirati MSME products across the Middle East, West Asia, Africa, and Eurasia, improving market access and supply-chain connectivity.

Investment cooperation also featured prominently in the discussions. The leaders expressed satisfaction over the Bilateral Investment Treaty signed in 2024, noting its positive impact on boosting cross-sector investment flows. They welcomed discussions on a potential UAE partnership in developing the Special Investment Region in Dholera, Gujarat, envisaging large-scale infrastructure projects including an international airport, a greenfield port, rail connectivity, energy infrastructure, a smart township, and aviation facilities such as a pilot training school and aircraft maintenance hubs.

Highlighting financial sector collaboration, Prime Minister Modi invited UAE sovereign wealth funds to participate in the second National Investment and Infrastructure Fund, scheduled for launch in 2026. The leaders also welcomed the establishment of DP World and First Abu Dhabi Bank branches in GIFT City, reinforcing its role as an emerging international financial hub.

Energy and food security cooperation were reaffirmed as strategic pillars of the partnership. The leaders welcomed the signing of a long-term LNG supply agreement between Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited and ADNOC Gas, ensuring stable energy supplies beginning later in the decade. They also underscored the importance of collaboration in sustainable agriculture and resilient food supply chains.

Looking ahead, both sides agreed to expand cooperation in advanced technologies, including nuclear energy, space, artificial intelligence, supercomputing, and data infrastructure. The leaders welcomed plans for joint space initiatives and closer collaboration in innovation-driven sectors, positioning the India-UAE partnership as a key driver of economic growth and technological advancement in the region.