India explores $500 billion housing project with UAE collaboration in Australia
Indian initiatives continue to stand out in the UAE, with the upcoming Bharat Mart serving as a key hub for Indian manufacturers and exporters to showcase their products.
Union Minister Piyush Goyal said that India is in “deep negotiations” to develop 1 million homes in Australia and has reached out to the UAE for possible financial participation in the project. He explained that such a development in Australia could represent an opportunity worth at least $500 billion.
While UAE officials have not made immediate comments, Goyal recently took part in talks that focused on strengthening economic ties between India and the Emirates.
Strengthening economic dialogue between India and UAE
Goyal’s discussions with Emirati leaders highlighted the importance of building on existing trade and investment frameworks. His visit reflects ongoing efforts to expand cooperation under the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) signed in 2022, which has become a central tool for growth.
During recent talks in Mumbai, UAE Minister of Foreign Trade Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi met Goyal, stressing the value of face-to-face dialogue in strengthening economic relations.
CEPA boosts non-oil trade to record levels
Since the implementation of CEPA, trade between India and the UAE has grown significantly. Non-oil trade reached $37.6 billion in the first half of 2025, marking a 33.9 per cent increase compared to the same period in the previous year.
This strong performance puts both nations on track to surpass the ambitious target of $100 billion in annual trade, an achievement envisioned when CEPA was launched in 2022.
Bharat Mart: A new trade hub for Indian products
Indian projects are also leaving a mark within the Emirates. The upcoming Bharat Mart in Dubai’s Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza) will cover 2.7 million square feet and serve as a dedicated marketplace for Indian exporters and manufacturers.
Once complete, Bharat Mart will become a central hub for showcasing Indian goods to global buyers, strengthening trade flows and supporting small and medium businesses in reaching international markets.
India-UAE trade resilience amid global changes
The UAE-India trade corridor is one of the fastest-growing globally, reflecting resilience in the face of shifting geopolitical conditions. Recently, US President Donald Trump announced 50 per cent tariffs on India in response to its imports of Russian oil.
In this context, strong UAE-India economic ties are expected to play an even greater role in maintaining stability and growth. Both countries are well positioned to use their partnership as a foundation for navigating global trade challenges.
India-UAE Partnership Driving Future Global Opportunities
India’s talks on a potential 1 million-home housing project in Australia highlight the scale of future international opportunities, while its trade partnership with the UAE continues to grow. With CEPA driving record non-oil trade, and projects like Bharat Mart reinforcing India’s presence in the Emirates, the partnership between the two nations is shaping into one of the most dynamic economic relationships today.
