UAE and India Enhance Partnership with CEPA Trade Goals

Post by : Bianca Suleiman

The UAE and India have made significant strides in fortifying their strategic collaboration, reviewing the advancements of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) as both nations aim for an ambitious trade target of $100 billion.

This review occurred in Abu Dhabi during the 16th session of the UAE–India Joint Committee along with the fifth session of the Strategic Dialogue. The gathering showcased high-level representatives from both nations, signifying the commitment to maintain momentum across their economic, financial, and cultural partnerships.

The discussions underlined the steady growth of bilateral trade since CEPA's implementation, focusing on optimizing cross-border transactions. A critical development has been digital financial integration, with the connection between India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and the UAE’s AANI platform being recognized as a significant advancement for simplifying everyday payments. Moreover, the compatibility of India's RuPay cards with the UAE’s JAYWAN system is set to benefit businesses, workers, students, and travelers by lowering transaction costs and enhancing user experience.

Education has emerged as a key aspect of this evolving relationship. The launch of the Gandhi–Zayed Centre for Peace, Tolerance and Sustainability Studies symbolizes a vital step toward fostering academic collaboration and cultural awareness. In addition, progress at IIT Delhi’s Abu Dhabi campus was acknowledged, highlighting significant achievements in a short timeframe and a growing interest in cross-border educational ventures.

In summary, the discussions indicate that the partnership between the UAE and India extends beyond mere trade; it encompasses finance, education, technology, and strong people-to-people connections. The ongoing engagement through structured frameworks like the Strategic Dialogue and Joint Committee is crucial in converting this long-term vision into tangible results, reinforcing the UAE–India relationship as one of the most vibrant and forward-thinking in the region.