Sheikh Hamad bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Managing Director of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, and Piyush Goyal, the Minister of Commerce and Industry of India, chaired the 13th meeting of the Joint Investment Working Group between the UAE and India held in Abu Dhabi.
The meeting addressed a wide array of topics concerning trade and investment, including ongoing initiatives aimed at enhancing bilateral investment flows and exploring new areas for joint collaboration.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Sheikh Hamad bin Zayed Al Nahyan stated that the trade and investment relations between the UAE and India are progressing rapidly, grounded in shared principles that focus on common goals and mutual success.
The meeting highlighted positive developments regarding the progress made on several key initiatives while suggesting new areas for future cooperation.
He added that through the continuous commitment of the members of the joint working group, this forum will continue to play a pivotal role in expanding and deepening the economic partnership between the UAE and India.
Positive Momentum
The chairpersons of the meeting commended the positive momentum observed in bilateral trade following the implementation of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between the UAE and India in May 2022. They noted that the non-oil trade volume between the two countries reached approximately 38 billion USD in the first half of 2025, marking a 34% increase compared to the same period in 2024.
This represents a significant step toward achieving the UAE’s trade objectives in its bilateral trade with India by 2030, emphasizing that this agreement is a cornerstone for the economic partnership between the two nations and a model for constructive collaboration in the rapidly evolving global trade landscape.
The working group reviewed positive progress in various joint investment projects, such as the “Bharat Mart” in the Jebel Ali Free Zone, a complex covering 2.7 million square feet, designed to enable Indian manufacturers and exporters to showcase their products to the world, reflecting the economic integration between the two countries.
The meeting also discussed opportunities for future cooperation in several sectors, including maritime transport and the space sector in India. Furthermore, it addressed ongoing strategic initiatives between the central banks of both countries to facilitate bilateral trade using local currencies, integrate payment systems in both nations, and collaborate on central bank digital currencies.
The parties praised the progress made so far regarding these initiatives, reaffirming their commitment to complete implementation in the near future. The joint working group also examined several current issues and challenges facing investors in both countries, instructing the meeting heads to direct the relevant teams, in collaboration with governmental authorities, to find prompt and satisfactory solutions for both sides.
Piyush Goyal remarked that the UAE is a significant partner in India’s growth journey, with this partnership being rooted in innovation, investment, and sustainable development, set to undergo significant transformation under the wise leadership of both nations.
The meeting was attended by several senior officials from relevant governmental entities, investment bodies, and companies from both countries. From the UAE, notable attendees included Dr. Thani Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade, Ahmad Jassim Al Zaabi, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development and President of the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce, and Dr. Abdulnasser Al Shaali, Ambassador of the UAE to India, alongside Younis Haji Al Khouri, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Finance. The Indian delegation included Sanjay Sudhir, Indian Ambassador to the UAE, along with representatives from various Indian ministries and agencies.