Unleashing the Potential of the India-UAE Partnership in the Food Sector

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 India’s food sector has experienced remarkable growth over the years, establishing itself as a cornerstone of the nation’s economic resilience. With abundant agricultural resources and a burgeoning food processing industry, India is now a pivotal player in the global food supply chain. A key factor in this success has been robust agricultural and food exports, which have strengthened international trade and fostered strategic collaborations with key partners like the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

A History of Strategic Collaboration

India and the UAE share a long-standing bilateral relationship that dates back to the UAE’s unification in 1971. Over the decades, this partnership has flourished, particularly following India’s economic liberalization and Dubai’s emergence as a regional trading hub. The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the two nations has been a cornerstone of this relationship. Addressing critical aspects such as the reduction of customs duties, elimination of technical barriers, and collaboration in key sectors, CEPA has proven transformative for India’s food sector.

The Promise of CEPA for India’s Food Sector

CEPA has created new avenues for trade and investment between India and the UAE. In the 2023–2024 period, India’s exports to the UAE reached USD 36 billion, while imports stood at USD 48 billion. Although food and related products currently account for only 3% of India’s exports to the UAE, this figure highlights vast untapped potential for growth.

The UAE’s significant investments in India’s food sector underscore a mutual commitment to strengthening this partnership. As the UAE prioritizes food security, India’s role as a reliable global food supplier becomes increasingly important. India’s ‘Look West’ policy, aimed at deepening ties with the Arab world, further bolsters this symbiotic relationship.

The India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor: A Game-Changer

The development of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) is set to revolutionize trade relations between India, the Middle East, and Europe. For India’s food sector, this initiative promises transformative benefits by streamlining export routes, reducing transit times, and enhancing market access.

Investments in dedicated export infrastructure and modern logistics facilities through IMEC will empower Indian exporters to meet the growing global demand for high-quality food products. Additionally, this corridor positions India to diversify its export base, ensuring greater resilience and sustainability in agricultural trade.

Opportunities in Food Processing and Cold Storage

The India-UAE partnership has immense potential to revolutionize sectors like food processing and cold storage. Although India’s food processing sector is nascent—contributing just 1.8% of the total gross value added—its growth trajectory is promising. By 2027, the market size of India’s food processing industry is projected to grow from USD 866 billion in 2022 to USD 1,274 billion.

In contrast, the UAE’s food processing industry is well-established, with advanced infrastructure, strategic investments, and a favorable geographic location. Collaborative efforts between India and the UAE could lead to significant advancements in operational efficiency, technological adoption, and capital infusion. These partnerships would enable India to harness its vast agricultural resources to meet the growing demand for processed food products in the UAE and beyond.

Building a Resilient Food Infrastructure

To accelerate collaboration, building resilient food infrastructure is imperative. Cross-border investments in cold storage facilities and multi-modal logistics parks will ensure a stable food supply chain, even amid market disruptions or environmental challenges. Such initiatives would also benefit Indian farmers by providing them with better access to global markets, thereby enhancing their income and livelihoods.


The India-UAE partnership represents a beacon of opportunity for the food sector. With a shared vision for economic growth and food security, both nations stand to gain immensely from deeper collaboration. From increasing trade volumes and investing in advanced infrastructure to fostering innovation in food processing, the potential is boundless. By leveraging their unique strengths, India and the UAE can redefine the global food landscape and set a precedent for strategic international cooperation.

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