India-UAE Trade Deal Creates Ripple Effect of Progress, Hits $100B Milestone

The India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) has completed four transformative years, significantly boosting bilateral trade to a historic $100 billion. Union Minister Piyush Goyal credited the agreement with creating a ripple effect of progress across manufacturing, services, and agriculture, reinforcing India's position as a global trade hub. Non-oil trade between the nations stands at approximately $68 billion, with strong export growth in pharmaceuticals, gems, agriculture, and engineering goods. The pact has also spurred a 75% increase in UAE FDI into India and initiatives like Bharat Mart are set to further institutionalize India's export presence in West Asia.

Key Points: India-UAE CEPA: 4 Years of Transformative Trade Growth

  • Bilateral trade crossed $100B milestone
  • Non-oil trade reached ~$68B
  • UAE FDI into India grew 75% post-CEPA
  • Pharma, gems, agri exports show strong growth
  • Bharat Mart to strengthen India's West Asia presence
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"Agreement created ripple effect of progress," says Piyush Goyal as India-UAE CEPA marks 4 years

India-UAE trade hits $100B as CEPA marks 4 years, boosting exports, FDI, and opening new sectoral opportunities, says Piyush Goyal.

"This agreement has created a ripple effect of progress across manufacturing, services, and agriculture - Piyush Goyal"

New Delhi, February 18

As India and the United Arab Emirates completed 4 years of the India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Wednesday said the agreement has opened new sectoral opportunities and further reinforced India's position as a credible global trade hub.

In a social media post, the minister highlighted the significance of the agreement and said it marked a transformative step in strengthening economic cooperation between the two countries.

"Stronger Together. Four years ago, under the decisive leadership of PM Narendra Modi ji, India and the UAE signed the transformative #IndiaUAECEPA, marking the beginning of a new chapter in our economic partnership. This agreement has created a ripple effect of progress across manufacturing, services, and agriculture, benefiting exporters, supporting MSMEs, strengthening agri-exports, and providing our farmers with access to premium global markets. It has opened new sectoral opportunities, further reinforcing India's position as a credible global trade hub," Goyal posted.

According to the minister, the agreement has contributed significantly to enhancing bilateral trade and expanding sectoral cooperation between the two nations.

Key developments of FY 2024-25 highlighted that bilateral trade crossed a historic milestone, to reach USD 100 billion. Non-oil trade between India and the UAE also reached approximately USD 68 billion, reflecting strong and diversified economic engagement.

The UAE continues to remain one of India's top global trading partners, with several sectors witnessing strong export growth. High-growth sectors for exports include pharmaceuticals, gems and jewellery, agriculture, textiles, marine products, and engineering goods.

In addition to merchandise trade, services exports have also shown strong performance, particularly in the IT sector, reflecting growing digital and knowledge-based engagement between the two countries. Initiatives such as Bharat Mart are expected to further institutionalise India's export presence in West Asia and strengthen long-term trade linkages.

The minister also noted that CEPA has also played a key role in boosting investment flows. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows from the UAE into India have grown by nearly 75 per cent post-CEPA, highlighting increased investor confidence and deeper economic integration. The UAE currently ranks as India's 7th largest investor.

Goyal added that the agreement has supported exporters, strengthened MSMEs, enhanced agricultural exports, and provided Indian farmers access to premium global markets, contributing to overall economic growth and trade expansion.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As someone working in the gems and jewellery export sector, I can personally attest to the positive impact. Orders have become smoother and the market access is much better. Hoping Bharat Mart gives us an even stronger foothold.
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Priya S
While the numbers are impressive, I hope the benefits are trickling down to the small farmers and artisans on the ground, and not just the big corporations. The government should ensure inclusive growth from such agreements.
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Rohit P
The 75% jump in UAE FDI is the real story here! This means more jobs and infrastructure development in India. Strong ties with the Gulf are crucial for our energy security and economic growth. Good work.
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Michael C
It's great to see India positioning itself as a credible global trade hub. The non-oil trade figure of $68 billion shows a healthy, diversified economic relationship. The focus on IT and services exports is particularly smart for the future.
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Kavya N
My cousin's textile business in Surat has seen a real boost from this agreement. Easier to send goods, better prices. This is what 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' in action looks like - being self-reliant but also globally connected. 👍

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