India–UAE Agree to Deepen Comprehensive Strategic Partnership

20 Jan 2026

On 19th January 2026, India and the United Arab Emirates agreed to significantly deepen their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, setting an ambitious target of doubling bilateral trade to USD 200 billion by 2032, following talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan during the latter’s official visit to India.

Key Points:

Overall Review of Ties: The leaders reviewed cooperation across political, economic, strategic, defence, and people-to-people domains, expressing satisfaction at the steady strengthening of bilateral relations.
Trade and CEPA Impact: Bilateral trade has grown significantly since the signing of the India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) in 2022, reaching USD 100 billion in FY 2024–25.
MSME and Trade Facilitation: Both sides agreed to intensify cooperation among MSMEs and fast-track initiatives such as Bharat Mart, Virtual Trade Corridor, and Bharat-Africa Setu to expand market access across West Asia, Africa, and Eurasia.
Investment Cooperation: Progress under the Bilateral Investment Treaty (2024) was welcomed. The UAE explored participation in the Special Investment Region at Dholera, Gujarat, including infrastructure such as airports, ports, smart townships, railways, and energy facilities.
Infrastructure Financing: PM Modi invited UAE sovereign wealth funds to participate in the second National Infrastructure Investment Fund (NIIF) Infrastructure Fund, scheduled for launch in 2026.
Financial Sector Linkages: The leaders welcomed the establishment of DP World and First Abu Dhabi Bank branches in GIFT City, strengthening India’s role as an international financial hub.
Energy Cooperation: A 10-year LNG supply agreement between HPCL and ADNOC Gas for 0.5 million tonnes per annum from 2028 was welcomed.
Technology and Digital Cooperation: The partnership will expand in AI, supercomputing, data centres, and innovation.