Context: The Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister of Defence of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) had his first official visit to India in April 2025.
1. Strengthening the India-UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership
Discussions focused on expanding cooperation in:
Trade and investments
Defence and energy
Technology and education
Sports and people-to-people ties
2. Major Announcements Made During the Visit
Establishment of Indian educational institutions in the UAE:
Indian Institute of Management (IIM) in Dubai
Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) in Dubai
Grant of land for a UAE-India Friendship Hospital in Dubai
Will provide affordable healthcare for the blue-collar Indian diaspora.
Development of ship-repair clusters in:
Kochi
Vadinar
Enhanced defence cooperation:
Focus on increasing collaboration in defence industries
Exploring opportunities for joint manufacturing and partnerships
3. Progress on India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA)
CEPA signed in 2022 to deepen trade and economic ties.
Since CEPA’s implementation:
Bilateral merchandise trade nearly doubled to USD 83 billion in FY24.
Trade basket has diversified, creating new opportunities for exporters.
Target set to achieve US$ 100 billion in non-oil trade by 2030.