What is the new trade target between the UAE and India?

The UAE and India aim to raise their bilateral trade to **$200 billion by 2032**, significantly increasing from the current figures which have already surpassed $100 billion annually.

What key initiatives are strengthening the UAE-India partnership?

Strategic initiatives include **Bharat Mart**, the **Virtual Trade Corridor**, and cooperation under the **India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC)**, all designed to enhance supply chain integration and trade routes.

What is the UAE's role in BRICS?

The UAE became a full member of BRICS in **January 2024** and is also a member of the New Development Bank, reinforcing its commitment to economic and financial cooperation within the bloc.

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Economy·13 September 2026

UAE and India Bolster Economic Partnership Towards $200 Billion Trade Target

The UAE and India are deepening their strategic economic partnership, expanding beyond trade to integrated logistics corridors, with bilateral trade already exceeding **$100 billion** for two consecutive years.

The United Arab Emirates and India are significantly advancing their strategic and economic partnership, aiming to boost bilateral trade to $200 billion by 2032. This expansion is built on historic ties, shared interests, and major projects designed to enhance trade, investment, and logistics connectivity between the two nations.

Bilateral trade between the UAE and India reached US$101.25 billion in the 2025-2026 financial year, marking the second year in a row that trade surpassed the $100 billion threshold. This growth underscores the success of existing cooperation frameworks and the potential for further integration.

Key Initiatives Driving Growth

The partnership is expanding through several strategic initiatives:

Bharat Mart: A new platform to facilitate Indian businesses in the UAE.
Virtual Trade Corridor: A digital initiative to streamline trade processes.
India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC): A multilateral project aimed at creating new trade routes and strengthening supply chain integration.

These initiatives are crucial for creating new pathways for trade and investment between the two countries and with global markets.

CEPA and BRICS Membership

The UAE-India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which took effect in 2022, has been instrumental in increasing the flow of goods, services, and investments, while creating broader opportunities for the private sectors in both nations. This agreement holds particular significance as the UAE's first of its kind.

At a multilateral level, the UAE became a full member of BRICS in January 2024 and is also a member of the New Development Bank. This strengthens its role in economic and financial cooperation among BRICS countries. The 18th BRICS Summit, held in New Delhi, highlights India's presidency and the group's 20th anniversary, with a focus on "Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability."

The growing UAE-India partnership serves as a practical model of the UAE's active role within BRICS, showcasing its commitment to exchanging expertise and building more integrated and sustainable economic relationships.

Frequently asked

Questions, answered

What is the new trade target between the UAE and India?: The UAE and India aim to raise their bilateral trade to **$200 billion by 2032**, significantly increasing from the current figures which have already surpassed $100 billion annually.
What was the bilateral trade volume between the UAE and India in the last financial year?: Bilateral trade between the UAE and India reached **US$101.25 billion** in the 2025-2026 financial year, marking the second consecutive year of exceeding $100 billion.
What key initiatives are strengthening the UAE-India partnership?: Strategic initiatives include **Bharat Mart**, the **Virtual Trade Corridor**, and cooperation under the **India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC)**, all designed to enhance supply chain integration and trade routes.
When did the UAE-India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) come into force?: The UAE-India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) entered into force in **2022**, significantly contributing to increased trade, services, and investment flows between the two countries.
What is the UAE's role in BRICS?: The UAE became a full member of BRICS in **January 2024** and is also a member of the New Development Bank, reinforcing its commitment to economic and financial cooperation within the bloc.

Reported by

Logistics & Data-Centre Real Estate

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This brief was summarised and rewritten by Gaia Living from public reporting. Figures and details reflect the original sources.

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