Dubai-India Business Forum in Mumbai to strengthen bilateral ties

14 Apr, 2025

An important turning point in the growing ties between India and the UAE was reached Monday at the Dubai-India Business Forum in Mumbai. The forum was addressed by Piyush Goyal, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, who welcomed His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammad Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defence of the UAE. This visit was Sheikh Hamdan’s first official trip to India, and Goyal expressed gratitude for Dubai’s contributions to social welfare, including its support for Indian citizens during the COVID pandemic and the establishment of the first hospital for Indian workers.

During his address, Goyal reflected on the historical ties between India and Dubai, noting that this year marks the 100th anniversary of the visit of Sheikh Saeed, the grandfather of Sheikh Hamdan, to India. He highlighted the strong and growing relationship, with six high-level visits between India and the UAE in just two years and the signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). Goyal also commended Dubai's contribution to the expansion of India's infrastructure and logistics network throughout Africa.

Goyal emphasized India’s growth as the fastest-growing major economy, aiming to become a $30 trillion economy by 2047, and called on the UAE to partner with India in this endeavor. He highlighted the importance of Dubai as a gateway for trade and cultural exchange with the Middle East, pointing out the launch of the IIT campus in Dubai and plans for future campuses like IIM and IIFT. He concluded by stressing the immense potential for collaboration in sectors like nuclear energy, fintech, AI, food security, and advanced manufacturing.

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