Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal concluded his two-day visit to the United Arab Emirates on a note of optimism, underlining expanding opportunities in trade, investment, and emerging technologies.
Goyal described the visit as “very constructive,” noting that discussions across government and business circles reaffirmed the strength of the India-UAE strategic partnership. He said there was mutual commitment to deepen engagement through major investments and expanded cooperation at political, diplomatic, economic, and people-to-people levels.
The minister co-chaired the 13th meeting of the India-UAE High-Level Joint Task Force on Investments, followed by extensive engagements with senior UAE leaders, including National Security Advisor Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Investment Minister Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi, and Minister of Foreign Trade Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi. Talks covered collaboration in infrastructure, energy security, and advanced technologies, with emphasis on artificial intelligence, genomics, and data centers.
Goyal also addressed the UAE-India Business Council Roundtable alongside Dr. Al Zeyoudi, where discussions focused on manufacturing, infrastructure, and potential joint projects in third-country markets. He highlighted the growing interest of UAE investors in India’s startup ecosystem, logistics sector, banking, and fintech.
Among key projects reviewed was Bharat Mart, a 2.7 million square foot facility planned for Dubai’s Jebel Ali Free Zone. Over 9,000 companies have already expressed interest, and the complex is expected to be operational within two years. Investments in a food park in Gujarat, green energy, and pharmaceuticals were also discussed, with Indian delegations meeting UAE regulators to explore greater access for pharmaceutical exports.
Goyal noted that one of the largest Indian delegations in recent years , 75 business leaders representing sectors such as textiles, fisheries, pharmaceuticals, leather, and footwear , accompanied him during the visit. The exchanges, he said, reflected a growing appetite for collaboration in both traditional industries and modern sectors like renewable energy, shipbuilding, retail, and high technology.
The minister underlined that India’s focus on ease of doing business and structural reforms under the Modi government has created an environment conducive to large-scale investments. He said the India-UAE partnership is poised for a “big leap” in the coming years, with opportunities spanning infrastructure, logistics, and sustainable development.
Foreign direct investment from the UAE is expected to expand in infrastructure, technology, and data centers, with green energy emerging as a priority. Both sides reaffirmed their shared commitment to strengthening ties through innovation, investment, and resilient supply chains, keeping in view the larger India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor framework.
