India and UAE explore trade in high-grade steel and aluminium, focusing on CEPA-led collaboration and industrial growth.
India and the UAE have initiated discussions to deepen trade and industrial collaboration in green steel and high-grade aluminium, with a strategic focus on automotive, infrastructure, and energy sectors. The high-level meeting between Union Steel Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy and UAE Economy Minister Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri aimed to harness the India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) for joint innovation and resource security.
India is eyeing a 300 million tonne steel production target by 2030, and the UAE’s energy-efficient systems, clean power ecosystem, and mineral supply potential are expected to play a key role. Trade in high-value steel and aluminium products, particularly for mobility and strategic manufacturing, emerged as a key agenda.
Public Sector Enterprises like SAIL, NMDC, and MECON are anchoring these efforts, with new offices in Dubai and active exploration of joint ventures and long-term supply chains. SAIL already imports limestone from UAE, while NMDC seeks mining partnerships and MECON offers infrastructure consulting.
A joint working group under CEPA is being proposed to streamline logistics, trade flows, and project development for long-term bilateral gains.
Source: PIB Delhi
