13th India-UAE meeting highlights joint task force investments

India and the United Arab Emirates reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening economic and investment cooperation at the latest meeting of the India-UAE High Level Joint Task Force on Investments held in Abu Dhabi on Thursday.

The meeting was co-chaired by His Highness Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Managing Director of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA), and Shri Piyush Goyal, India’s Minister of Commerce & Industry. Senior officials from both governments, investment bodies, and leading companies attended.

The UAE delegation included Minister of Foreign Trade Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, and several other and while India was represented by Ambassador Sunjay Sudhir and senior officials from key ministries and agencies including the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of External Affairs, Reserve Bank of India, National Payments Corporation of India, and Invest India.

Established in 2013, the Joint Task Force has served as a platform to expand bilateral economic ties and address investor concerns. The latest meeting reviewed ongoing projects and explored new areas of cooperation, particularly in maritime, space, and digital finance sectors. Both sides welcomed the rapid growth in bilateral trade following the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which came into effect in May 2022. Non-oil trade between the two countries touched nearly USD 38 billion in the first half of 2025, up 34% compared to the same period last year. Officials described the surge as a key milestone in advancing the UAE’s 2030 trade targets.

The meeting also noted progress on flagship initiatives such as Bharat Mart, a 2.7 million square foot complex under development in Jebel Ali Free Zone. The project aims to provide Indian exporters and manufacturers a global showcase platform. Financial cooperation remained high on the agenda, with discussions on enabling local currency trade, linking payment systems, and advancing collaboration on central bank digital currencies. Both delegations commended the progress made so far and stressed the importance of early implementation. Investor challenges were also reviewed, with the Co-Chairs directing teams to work closely with relevant government entities to resolve issues in a timely and mutually beneficial manner.

Speaking at the conclusion, Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan said, “The trade and investment relationship between the UAE and India continues to grow at an impressive rate, anchored by the dual principles of shared goals and joint success. This forum will remain vital in broadening and deepening our economic partnership.” Minister Piyush Goyal underlined India’s growth story, calling the UAE an “important partner” in its transformation. “The partnership stands on the pillars of innovation, investment and sustainable development and will witness great transformation under the visionary leadership of both sides,” he added.