The India–UAE CEPA review concluded successfully, highlighting 19.6% trade growth and strengthening cooperation on market access and BIS licensing.
The third meeting of the Joint Committee under the India-UAE CEPA was successfully held in New Delhi by India and the UAE. Assistant Undersecretary for International Trade Affairs, UAE, H.E. Juma Al Kait, and Additional Secretary, Department of Commerce, Ajay Bhadoo, co-chaired the meeting. Both parties applauded the significant increase in bilateral trade, which surpassed USD 100.06 billion in FY 2024–2025, indicating a strong 19.6% increase and confirming the UAE’s standing as one of India’s main trading partners. The main institutional framework for evaluating developments, resolving issues, and carrying out the CEPA is the India-UAE Joint Commission.
In-depth talks were held on topics such as market access, data sharing, Gold TRQ allocation, anti-dumping problems, services, Rules of Origin, BIS licensing, etc. The two parties also carried out a thorough review of the progress made under CEPA. Additionally, the Indian side informed the UAE of its recent choice to distribute Gold TRQ via an open, competitive bidding procedure.
Recent high-level discussions, such as those between Hon’ble Commerce & Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and H.E. Dr. Thani in Mumbai and Dubai, were reviewed by both parties. They reiterated their mutual commitment to increasing trade in non-oil and non-precious metals to reach the USD 100 billion goal by 2030. The early signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on Food Safety and Technical Requirements between the Ministry of Climate Change & Environment (MoCCAE), UAE, and the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), India, as well as issues pertaining to Certificates of Origin and BIS coordination, were also discussed.
Both parties agreed to improve trade facilitation, regulatory cooperation, data exchange, and the holding of Services Subcommittee meetings at the end of the meeting. Additionally, the UAE delegation met with Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal to discuss concerns pertaining to both sides’ optimal use of CEPA. The UAE delegation’s visit demonstrates both nations’ dedication to strengthening the strategic cooperation under CEPA, increasing market prospects, and improving the trade balance.
SOURCE – PIB
