UAE and India Strengthen Trade Ties with CEPA Progress Review

In a strategic move to bolster their cooperation, the UAE and India have reviewed the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) as they set their sights on achieving a shared trade goal of $100 billion.

The discussions occurred during the 16th session of the UAE–India Joint Committee and the fifth Strategic Dialogue session in Abu Dhabi, highlighting the significance of sustained economic, financial, and cultural collaboration between the two nations.

Key points of discussion included the steady rise in bilateral trade since CEPA implementation, with a concentrated effort on enhancing cross-border transaction efficiency. A significant stride made is the integration of India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) with the UAE’s AANI platform, which facilitates daily financial transactions. Furthermore, the association of India’s RuPay cards with the UAE’s JAYWAN system aims to ease the financial burden on businesses, workers, students, and travelers.

Education was also underscored as a vital component of the growing alliance, with the establishment of the Gandhi–Zayed Centre for Peace, Tolerance, and Sustainability Studies marking a notable advancement in academic and cultural cooperation. Additionally, progress at the IIT Delhi campus in Abu Dhabi showcases the rising interest in cross-border educational initiatives.

These discussions reflect that the UAE-India partnership has evolved beyond mere trade; it encompasses finance, education, and technological cooperation, along with fostering people-to-people connections. Continued interactions through structured formats like the Strategic Dialogue and Joint Committee help to transform long-term aspirations into concrete results, establishing a robust and progressive partnership.