India Observers

  India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are set to deepen their economic partnership with a bold vision of achieving $100 billion in trade by 2030. This ambitious target focuses on expanding beyond oil and precious metals, emphasizing growth in non-traditional sectors such as pharmaceuticals, Ayurveda, healthcare innovation, and advanced manufacturing. A key driver of this partnership is the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which seeks to streamline trade processes, reduce barriers, and encourage cross-sectoral collaboration. The initiative highlights the pharmaceutical sector’s role in boosting bilateral trade, with efforts directed at faster drug approvals and research-driven cooperation. India’s heritage in Ayurveda is also emerging as a unique opportunity, catering to the UAE’s rising demand for health and wellness solutions. By leveraging their respective strengths, both nations are positioning themselves for sustainable growth, innovation, and investmen...

  In a historic move, India and the United Kingdom signed a landmark Free Trade Agreement (FTA) today, formalised in London in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal also joined the signing ceremony. The deal, finalised on May 6, 2025, is projected to grow annual bilateral trade by £25.5 billion, add £4.8 billion to the UK economy, and raise wages by £2.2 billion each year in the long term. The FTA sets an ambitious goal of doubling trade to $120 billion by 2030, with an additional $40 billion expansion by 2040. Key provisions include India removing import taxes on leather, textiles, and footwear, while the UK slashes tariffs on whisky, gin, lamb, cosmetics, and farm goods. India will now permit UK car imports at just 10% duty, down from over 100%, raising domestic industry concerns. UK firms gain access to India’s telecom, insurance, and banking sectors, though India secured only limited visa concessions. Add...

  India has imposed restrictions on imports worth $770 million from Bangladesh through its land ports, significantly impacting bilateral trade between the two countries. This move affects nearly 42% of the total trade volume, causing concern among exporters and importers on both sides. The restrictions primarily target goods transported by road, which form a major portion of Bangladesh’s exports to India. Businesses are urging both governments to resolve the issue swiftly to avoid long-term disruption and economic losses. The reasons behind the restrictions remain unclear, but analysts suggest regulatory, security, or policy concerns may be factors.

  The UAE’s foreign trade surged to AED 5.23 trillion ($1.42 trillion) in 2024, marking a 49% jump from 2021’s AED 3.5 trillion ($952.9 billion). This impressive growth reflects the country’s strategic vision and resilience amid global trade challenges. Ranked 11th globally in merchandise exports and 13th in services exports, the UAE recorded a trade surplus of AED 492.3 billion ($134 billion) in 2024. Merchandise exports totaled AED 2.22 trillion, while services exports reached AED 646.6 billion — with digital services alone contributing AED 191 billion. Since 2014, the UAE has upheld its position as a key trade hub for the Middle East and Africa. Its diversified trade growth spans sectors such as information technology, tourism, and financial services. The country also ranked 21st in global digital services exports, underlining its commitment to innovation. With its robust performance, the UAE is expected to support a projected 1.6% regional GDP growth in 2024, reinforcing its...

  The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the UAE and India has already reshaped trade dynamics between the two nations — but where is it headed next? One key shift came in July 2024, when silver imports under CEPA, once tariff-advantaged, became costlier due to an 8 percent duty, compared to a new standard rate of 6 percent. “As a result, silver imports from the UAE under CEPA completely stopped after July 2024, resolving earlier concerns about inflated import volumes,” Mohan told AGBI . While silver lost its edge, gold saw a surge. Analysts attribute this to improved trading technologies and India’s domestic initiatives to support gold inflows. As a major global gold trading hub, the UAE continues to attract refineries and dealers thanks to its low taxes, regulatory flexibility, and geographic proximity to Asia. Looking ahead, CEPA is set to broaden its scope to include eight additional sectors, from artificial intelligence and digital technology to financ...

  India and New Zealand have officially launched negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), marking a significant step in strengthening economic ties between the two nations. The announcement reflects a shared commitment to boosting bilateral trade, investment, and cooperation across various sectors. The proposed FTA aims to reduce trade barriers, enhance market access, and create new opportunities for businesses in both countries. Key sectors expected to benefit include agriculture, technology, education, and manufacturing. Given India’s growing economy and New Zealand’s expertise in dairy and agribusiness, the agreement could lead to increased trade volumes and stronger economic integration. Both governments have expressed optimism about the negotiations, emphasizing mutual benefits and the potential for a comprehensive deal. The FTA is expected to enhance economic growth and deepen strategic ties, paving the way for a stronger partnership between India and New Zealand.

 India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) share a long-standing, multifaceted relationship that continues to evolve as both nations explore new avenues of cooperation. India views the UAE as a crucial partner, particularly in sectors like energy, technology, and infrastructure. With a robust economic connection, these areas of collaboration have the potential to enhance trade, foster investment, and support India’s growth objectives. Energy has always been a key aspect of India-UAE relations. As one of the world's leading oil producers, the UAE plays an important role in India's energy security. This partnership continues to grow, with both nations collaborating on energy diversification, including investments in renewable energy projects. The UAE is also home to leading technology companies, providing opportunities for India to enhance its technological capabilities. The UAE's advanced infrastructure and digital transformation initiatives serve as valuable assets for India...