India-UAE Ties Set New Benchmarks in Trade, Culture & Education

Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal on Tuesday addressed the Dubai-India Business Forum in Mumbai, hosted by Dubai Chambers. The event was marked by the presence of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, during his first official visit to India. Goyal warmly welcomed Sheikh Hamdan and highlighted the long-standing cultural and economic ties between Mumbai and Dubai, tracing back generations.

The Minister recalled that this year marks 100 years since Sheikh Hamdan’s grandfather, Sheikh Saeed, visited India, underlining the deep-rooted connection between the two regions. He praised Dubai’s initiatives for Indian communities, especially the establishment of the first hospital for Indian workers in Dubai—a gesture that reflects deep goodwill.

Speaking on the growing strategic bond between India and the UAE, Goyal said that trust and leadership-level cooperation have been key. With six top-level visits in just two years—three each by Indian and UAE leaders—the relationship is stronger than ever. Goyal also extended gratitude to the UAE for supporting the construction of the Swaminarayan Hindu Temple in Abu Dhabi, calling it a powerful symbol of mutual respect.

He acknowledged the UAE’s major role in India’s outreach to Africa, and its investments in Indian infrastructure, especially the significant contributions of DP World in modernizing logistics. Highlighting the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) as a turning point, Goyal expressed confidence in achieving the $100 billion target in non-oil trade.

Goyal also discussed expanding educational ties, with India opening an IIT campus in Dubai and planning campuses for IIM and IIFT. He emphasized Dubai’s importance as a trade and cultural gateway and thanked the UAE for supporting over 2 million Indians during the pandemic.

Looking ahead, Goyal invited collaboration in key areas like green hydrogen, fintech, AI, food security, critical minerals, and advanced manufacturing. Quoting PM Modi, he said, “India is not just a workforce; we are a world force,” reaffirming India’s goal to become a $30-35 trillion economy by 2047.

Source: PIB