The United Arab Emirates is exploring new avenues for economic collaboration with India, particularly in sectors such as new economy, entrepreneurship, agriculture, industry, food technology, financial technology, and green innovation. During Investopia Global Dialogues held in Andhra Pradesh, UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri engaged in bilateral meetings with Indian officials and business leaders to strengthen bilateral ties. The event brought together over 200 participants from both countries, including investors, innovators, and policymakers.
The discussions emphasized the strategic and comprehensive relationship between the UAE and India, highlighting the growing momentum in economic cooperation. Andhra Pradesh was noted for its strategic geographic location and competitive agricultural and export capabilities. Several UAE-based companies, including DP World, Sharaf, Tecom, and Lulu, are already operating in key sectors such as logistics, food supply chains, and industrial development.
The talks also covered sustainable economic models, digital transformation, and circular economy initiatives. Both sides agreed on the importance of fostering innovation, enhancing regulatory frameworks, and promoting investments in future-oriented sectors such as renewable energy, digital economies, and food technology. The dialogue served as a vital platform to showcase investment opportunities and deepen collaboration between Emirati and Indian businesses.
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UAE Looks Ahead to Economic Cooperation Opportunities with India
H.E. Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism and Chairman of Investopia, held bilateral meetings with N. Chandrababu Naidu, Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, T.G. Bharatha, Minister of Industry, Commerce, and Food Processing, Nara Lokesh, Minister of Information Technology, and R. Mukundan, the appointed President of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) for the 2025-2026 term and Managing Director and CEO of Tata Chemicals, aiming to explore ways to strengthen cooperation in priority sectors for both sides.
These include the new economy, entrepreneurship, agriculture, industry, food, fintech, circular and green economy, innovation, entrepreneurship, and small and medium enterprises.
This took place on the sidelines of Investopia Global Dialogues, held in the state, with the participation of 200 business leaders, investors, innovators, officials, and decision-makers from the UAE and India.
Strategic Relations
H.E. Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri emphasized that the UAE and India maintain comprehensive and evolving strategic relations aligned with the vision and guidance of the wise leadership of the two friendly countries.
He noted that economic cooperation is experiencing continuous growth and increasing momentum, contributing to the enhancement of the UAE-India economic partnership.
He said: “India is a key partner for the UAE in terms of economic and investment cooperation, and we look forward to continuing fruitful cooperation and building new partnerships with our counterparts in the Indian government and exploring promising opportunities for business communities in both countries in sectors of mutual interest, which will enhance growth and prosperity in both countries.”
Competitive Advantages
He added: “Andhra Pradesh is one of the prominent Indian states with a strategic geographical location connecting domestic and global markets, and competitive agricultural and export capabilities. It hosts leading UAE companies operating in vital economic sectors such as supply chains, food, industry, and logistics, including DP World, Sharaf, Tecom, and Lulu.
Therefore, this meeting represents a new step in strengthening the path of joint cooperation and opening wider horizons for developing economic partnerships between the two sides at the level of the public and private sectors, thereby enhancing complementarity in vital sectors that serve the growth and sustainability of the UAE and Indian economies.”
Sustainable Models
The meeting between H.E. Abdullah bin Touq and N. Chandrababu Naidu, Chief Minister of the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, discussed development policies and national priorities for transitioning to sustainable and resilient economic models.
They also exchanged experiences on competitive economic legislation aimed at encouraging UAE and Indian business communities to invest in future economic sectors and expand into foreign markets, benefiting from the unique capabilities of both sides.
Both sides emphasized the importance of hosting Andhra Pradesh for the Investopia Dialogues, which served as a vital platform to highlight promising economic and investment opportunities in the state.
It also enhances connectivity and communication between Emirati and Indian investors, providing new avenues for cooperation in vital sectors such as technology, renewable energy, food, agriculture, and digital economies.
H.E. bin Touq also discussed national initiatives and projects aimed at transitioning to a circular economy model and its importance in enhancing economic and environmental sustainability in the country by the next decade.
These national initiatives are based on developing circular policies in the UAE markets in four main sectors: manufacturing, food, transportation, and green infrastructure.
During his meeting with T.G. Bharatha, Minister of Industry, Commerce, and Food Processing, H.E. Abdullah bin Touq reviewed the UAE’s efforts in developing the food economic cluster that brings together agricultural production, food industries, and modern agricultural technology in a single system based on cooperation and integration, enhancing the competitiveness and empowerment of private sector companies operating in the food sector and related activities.
Main Factor
H.E. Abdullah bin Touq also discussed with Nara Lokesh, Minister of Information Technology, the importance of joint work in the field of digital economy and the adoption of modern digital technologies as a main factor in supporting the growth of vital economic sectors.
Both sides emphasized that digital transformation directly contributes to the development of more efficient business environments and enhances levels of innovation, competitiveness, and productivity in markets.
H.E. Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism, met with R. Mukundan, the appointed President of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) for the 2025-2026 term, to discuss ways to strengthen economic and investment cooperation between the UAE and India.
The meeting discussed opportunities to support the economic partnership between the two countries at the level of the public and private sectors, particularly in the fields of innovation, industry, technology, and entrepreneurship, with a focus on developing the food sector and supporting the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises.
Both sides emphasized the importance of enhancing continuous dialogue between government agencies and the business community in both countries, which contributes to the development of the food sector and enables small and medium-sized enterprises to play a greater role in driving economic growth and achieving sustainable development.