India pushes for investments in UAE at 13th Joint Task Force Meeting

India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are exploring new avenues of cooperation in the space and maritime sectors as part of efforts to broaden their fast-growing economic partnership.The plan was discussed at the 13th meeting of the India-UAE High-Level Joint Task Force on Investments, held in Abu Dhabi. The meeting was co-chaired by Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Managing Director of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, the commerce ministry said in a statement on Thursday.

Addressed a vibrant business event organised by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development and Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce & Industry.

Thrilled to witness the dynamic business ecosystem first-hand. The event highlighted great investment opportunities in both the UAE and… pic.twitter.com/nUWzr7jH1J

— Piyush Goyal (@PiyushGoyal) September 18, 2025

Established in 2013, the Joint Task Force has emerged as a key platform for addressing investor concerns and channeling capital flows between the two economies. The latest discussions also reviewed progress on existing initiatives, including Bharat Mart—a 2.7 million sq. ft. trading hub being developed at the Jebel Ali Free Zone to showcase Indian products to global buyers.The meeting comes at a time when bilateral non-oil trade is gaining strong momentum under the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) signed in 2022. In the first half of 2025, non-oil trade between the two countries rose 34% year-on-year to nearly $38 billion, a significant step towards the UAE’s 2030 trade targets.
Boosting Market Access and Payments Integration
CEPA has expanded opportunities for Indian textiles, food products, and engineering goods, while giving the UAE enhanced access to India’s vast consumer base. Both delegations also reviewed initiatives to boost local currency trade, integrate payment systems, and explore the use of Central Bank Digital Currencies. Work is already underway to link India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) with UAE platforms, a move expected to reduce transaction costs and exchange rate risks.At the meeting, Minister Goyal highlighted that India’s rapid economic growth offers investment opportunities for UAE businesses across infrastructure, renewable energy, and advanced technology sectors such as space. Sheikh Hamed described the India-UAE partnership as anchored in “shared goals and joint success” and stressed that the task force will remain central to advancing the relationship.
Expanding Institutional Collaboration
On the sidelines, Goyal also met H.E. Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development, Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), and Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Discussions focused on expanding investment opportunities and strengthening institutional collaboration, including ongoing cooperation between India’s GIFT City and ADGM.Goyal also held insightful discussions with Mr. Peng Xiao, Group CEO of G42, on the transformative impact of Artificial Intelligence and the immense potential India holds in shaping the global AI landscape. In addition, he explored ways to enhance collaboration with M42 in the fields of genomics and healthcare innovation.

Had insightful discussions with Mr. Peng Xiao, Group CEO of @G42ai, on the transformative impact of Artificial Intelligence and the immense potential India holds in shaping the global AI landscape.

Also, held discussions on enhancing collaboration with M-42 in genomics and… pic.twitter.com/OqsftkMfiu

— Piyush Goyal (@PiyushGoyal) September 18, 2025

Trade Ties Strengthen Further
Bilateral trade between India and the UAE surged to $99.7 billion in FY25—$36.3 billion in exports and $63.4 billion in imports—up from $83.6 billion in FY24 and $84.8 billion in FY23, according to information.India’s key exports to the UAE include refined petroleum products, chemicals, gems and jewellery, pharmaceuticals, textiles, garments, and agricultural products such as rice, pulses, and spices. Imports are led by crude oil, petroleum products, and liquefied natural gas (LNG).

(Business Correspondent)