The Dubai-India Business Forum, held in Mumbai, was a historic moment marking a new chapter in the deepening bilateral relations between India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The event was attended by Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Mr. Piyush Goyal and His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai and Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE, on his first official visit to India.

Celebrating a Century of Ties: Mumbai and Dubai’s Timeless Bond

Mr. Goyal welcomed Sheikh Hamdan and recalled the centenary of Sheikh Saeed's historic 1925 visit to India, emphasizing the historic and cultural linkages between Mumbai and Dubai. He highlighted that 2025 will mark 100 years of this significant diplomatic milestone, underlining how commerce and community relations have evolved and flourished between the two cities.

He acknowledged Dubai’s support to Indian diaspora, particularly the establishment of the first hospital for Indian workers and the UAE’s assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic, which was crucial for over two million Indians living in the UAE.

A Trust-Based Partnership Built on Mutual Respect

Mr. Goyal emphasised that India and the UAE share a trust-based partnership, strengthened through six high-level bilateral visits over the last two years. These frequent engagements reflect a growing strategic, economic, and cultural alliance between the two nations.

The Union Minister pointed to UAE’s key role in India’s outreach to Africa, investments in infrastructure, and support in digital and logistics transformation, notably through companies such as DP World. He referred to these developments as pillars of bilateral cooperation that are setting new benchmarks in international collaboration.

A Symbol of Shared Values: The Swaminarayan Temple in Abu Dhabi

In a deeply symbolic gesture, Mr. Goyal praised the UAE for its support in building the Swaminarayan Hindu Temple in Abu Dhabi. He described the temple as a reflection of shared values, respect for diversity, and mutual cultural appreciation between the two nations.

This support for religious and cultural projects outside India showcases the inclusiveness of UAE’s leadership and the growing depth of Indo-UAE cultural relations.

The CEPA Advantage and the Vision for Non-Oil Trade

Highlighting the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) signed between India and the UAE in 2022, Mr. Goyal reiterated that the two nations are well on track to achieve their non-oil trade target of Rs. 8,61,800 crore (US$ 100 billion).

CEPA has already started delivering benefits across several sectors, including textiles, gems and jewellery, automotive, and food processing. Goyal also pointed out that bilateral trade has significantly improved in volume and scope since the CEPA came into effect.

Investing in Education: Building Institutions Beyond Borders

A major area of collaboration discussed was education, where the UAE has supported the establishment of premier Indian institutions like the Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT) in Dubai.

Mr. Goyal shared that future plans include campuses for the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) and the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) in the UAE. This cross-border education model will help boost intellectual exchange, innovation, and mutual development between the youth of both countries.

Bilateral Collaboration in Future-Forward Sectors

Looking ahead, Mr. Goyal invited the UAE to partner in India’s future growth story. He stressed India’s ambition to become a Rs. 25,85,40,000 – 30,16,30,000 crore (US$ 30–35 trillion) economy by 2047, and identified key sectors where India-UAE collaboration could be game-changing:

• Critical minerals for electric mobility and clean energy

• Green hydrogen development for decarbonisation

• Fintech innovations to power digital finance ecosystems

• Advanced manufacturing in defence, aerospace, and electronics

He encouraged UAE investors and entrepreneurs to actively participate in India's transformation journey, given the mutual strengths and opportunities in both markets.

Conclusion: A Strategic Partnership for the Future

The Dubai-India Business Forum was not just an event—it was a visionary dialogue laying the foundation for the next phase of India-UAE relations. With shared historical roots, expanding economic cooperation, and mutual cultural respect, both nations are poised to jointly shape the future of regional and global trade.

The presence of the Dubai Crown Prince in Mumbai sent a strong signal to the business communities of both nations—India and the UAE are building a model partnership grounded in trust, opportunity, and innovation. This engagement across trade, investment, culture, and education will likely serve as a template for India’s relations with other global partners.

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