NEW DELHI / RankWire.AI / – Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on September 12. The leaders discussed ways to deepen UAE-India relations and expand cooperation across key sectors. Their meeting took place at Hyderabad House during the 18th BRICS Summit. Talks focused on economic integration, investment and the broader Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the United Arab Emirates and India.
The leaders reviewed cooperation under the UAE-India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, known as CEPA. They also discussed the longstanding political, commercial, cultural, energy and people-to-people links between the countries. Both sides examined opportunities to broaden cooperation in areas that have become central to bilateral ties. The meeting also covered topics of mutual interest as the two governments continued regular engagement across economic and strategic fields.
Sheikh Khaled led the UAE delegation to the BRICS Summit on behalf of UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Modi welcomed the UAE’s participation during India’s 2026 BRICS chairmanship. The leaders agreed that both countries would continue working through the group on shared priorities and cooperation. They also recalled Sheikh Mohamed’s visit to India in January 2026 and Modi’s visit to the UAE in May 2026.
Investment and strategic sectors expand agenda
The meeting highlighted new investment activity between the UAE and India. The leaders welcomed International Holding Company’s announced plan for an $11.5 billion integrated greenfield aluminium project in Odisha. India has described it as the country’s largest integrated aluminium investment. They also discussed the role of L’Imad, the UAE’s newest sovereign investment fund, in supporting bilateral investment and economic cooperation across areas identified by both governments.
The two sides reviewed opportunities in defence, space, nuclear energy, technology and innovation. These sectors add to an economic relationship that already spans energy, manufacturing, logistics, food products, electronics and engineering goods. The discussions reflected the wider scope of the UAE-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which dates to 2017. Both governments have continued expanding cooperation beyond traditional trade and energy links into technology-driven and capital-intensive industries.
UAE-India trade surpasses $100 billion
Bilateral trade reached $101.25 billion in India’s 2025-26 financial year, its highest recorded level. The UAE ranked as India’s third-largest trading partner and second-largest export destination during the period. Indian exports to the UAE exceeded $37.35 billion. During the UAE president’s January 2026 visit to India, the countries set a goal of raising bilateral trade to $200 billion by 2032, building on growth recorded since CEPA took effect.
The UAE-India CEPA entered into force on May 1, 2022, after the countries signed it that February. The agreement reduced or removed tariffs on more than 80% of products covered for UAE exporters entering India. It also expanded market access for services and addressed technical barriers to trade. The New Delhi meeting reinforced the countries’ continuing leadership-level engagement as they develop commercial, investment and strategic ties under their existing bilateral frameworks.
