Pvt sector deals are key to push India-United Arab Emirates ties ahead, says UAE Minister

Dubai: The next phase of India-UAE partnership would be driven by joint investments, logistics connectivity, and deeper private-sector collaboration, UAE Minister of Foreign Trade Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi said at a closed-door industry event.

He said that he expects more private sector-led investment deals between the two countries, adding that strategic sectors should be prioritised to deepen economic integration.

"One of my priorities over the coming months is to encourage more large projects driven by private sector partnerships between India and the UAE. We need to work together on strategic sectors that positively impact people in both countries....It's time for joint ventures, collaboration, and large scale investments led by businesses," Al Zeyoudi said at the India UAE Business Council UAE Chapter closed-door event.


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His remarks came days after prime minister Narendra Modi's UAE visit, during which there were investment commitments worth nearly $5 billion. These include $3 billion investment by Emirates NBD to acquire a 60% stake in RBL Bank,a $1 billion investment by Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) in India's National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF), and a $1 billion commitment by International Holding Company (IHC) to acquire an equity stake in Sammaan Capital.

Al Zeyoudi said that India-UAE trade continues to maintain the growth momentum despite regional disruption, even as global trade has slowed down. Non-oil bilateral trade between India and the UAE touched $76 billion in 2025-26, a growth of 17%.

"This shows the enormous potential and how closely aligned both nations are," he said.

Total bilateral trade has exceeded $100 billion under the comprehensive economic partnership agreement (CEPA), and the two sides are now targeting $200 billion by 2032.