India’s economic partnership with the United Arab Emirates continues to gain momentum as the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) completes four years of implementation. Union Commerce and Industry Minister said the agreement has significantly accelerated trade growth while opening fresh opportunities for Indian businesses, exporters, farmers, and MSMEs.
Sharing the progress on social media platform X, Goyal described the agreement as a major turning point in India-UAE economic relations. Since its introduction, the trade pact has strengthened cooperation across several industries and contributed to a sharp rise in commercial activity between the two nations.
According to the minister, bilateral merchandise trade has now surpassed the $100 billion milestone, highlighting the strong pace of growth achieved under the agreement. In addition to goods trade, services trade between the countries has also expanded steadily, helping Indian companies enter new international markets and improve value generation.
The CEPA agreement has particularly benefited sectors such as gems and jewellery, engineering products, electronics, and agriculture. Increased export activity in these industries has created stronger business prospects for Indian enterprises and improved access to the UAE market.
Goyal emphasized that the agreement is delivering measurable advantages for entrepreneurs and exporters by improving trade efficiency and strengthening India’s global commercial footprint. He also pointed to rising foreign direct investment inflows from the UAE as evidence of deepening economic cooperation between the two countries.
Alongside stronger UAE investments into India, Indian companies are also increasing their overseas investments in the Gulf region, further reinforcing bilateral economic ties. The expanding investment flow is helping businesses from both countries explore new partnerships, production networks, and long-term growth opportunities.
The minister noted that the growing economic relationship is supporting India’s broader trade ambitions while encouraging stronger collaboration in manufacturing, technology, agriculture, and services.
Separately, Goyal also held a virtual discussion with Peter Kyle, the UK Secretary of State for Business and Trade, to discuss ways to further expand trade and investment cooperation between India and the United Kingdom.
During the meeting, both leaders explored opportunities to strengthen economic engagement through the proposed India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). The discussions focused on enhancing bilateral trade flows, encouraging investments, and building stronger commercial partnerships between the two economies.
India’s recent trade engagements with global partners such as the UAE and the UK underline the country’s increasing focus on expanding international economic alliances and boosting long-term export growth.
