UAE and India Strengthen Ties Through Eight New Strategic Agreements
The enduring partnership between the United Arab Emirates and the Republic of India has entered a new and dynamic phase with the signing of eight strategic agreements aimed at reinforcing cooperation across key sectors. This significant development occurred during the official visit of Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defence, to India. He was joined by India’s Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, in Mumbai for a high-profile event organized by Dubai Chambers.
The atmosphere at the event reflected the depth of commitment both nations share toward building stronger economic and social ties. The eight Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) signed during this visit emphasize a broad range of cooperative ventures, including infrastructure, healthcare, higher education, maritime development, logistics innovation, and private sector engagement. Each agreement represents a critical step forward in realizing a shared vision of growth, innovation, and sustainable development.
A Legacy of Trust and Visionary Leadership Fuels Progress
At the heart of the collaboration between the UAE and India lies a legacy of trust, mutual respect, and visionary leadership. During his remarks, Sheikh Hamdan emphasized the historical significance and enduring strength of the relationship between the two nations. He noted that the ties are rooted in a shared ambition to shape a future defined by innovation, economic resilience, and mutual prosperity.
Sheikh Hamdan praised the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, under whose guidance the UAE continues to thrive as a hub of opportunity, connectivity, and international cooperation. The new agreements, he added, are aligned with the UAE’s ongoing commitment to empowering communities, advancing technology, promoting knowledge, and fostering human development.
He also acknowledged the foundational frameworks that have bolstered the UAE-India partnership in recent years, especially the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and the Bilateral Investment Treaty. These instruments have helped both countries cultivate a high level of institutional cooperation, promote trade, and attract investment, thereby deepening their strategic relationship.
Dubai Chambers Expand Business Ties With Indian Industry Leaders
Three of the eight new MoUs were signed by Dubai Chambers with leading Indian business organizations, namely the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), and the IMC Chamber of Commerce and Industry. These agreements seek to accelerate business-to-business partnerships and create an enhanced framework for commercial engagement.
Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, President and CEO of Dubai Chambers, was joined by R. Mukundan, Vice President of CII; Anant Goenka and Jyoti Vij of FICCI; and Sunita Ramnathkar from IMC in signing the documents. The intention behind these agreements is to help Indian companies establish or expand their operations in Dubai while providing them with streamlined access to strategic services and investment guidance.
This proactive approach by Dubai Chambers demonstrates the UAE’s intent to position itself as the premier business destination for Indian enterprises. By creating robust institutional connections, Dubai is further enhancing its appeal as a global economic gateway.
DP World Collaborates With Indian Infrastructure Leader RITES
As part of its ambition to reinforce the UAE-India Virtual Trade Corridor and improve global trade efficiency, DP World signed a landmark agreement with RITES, a government-owned consultancy under India’s Ministry of Railways. The MoU was signed by Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO of DP World, and Rahul Mithal, Chairman and Managing Director of RITES.
This partnership aims to develop high-tech, resilient supply chains and strengthen logistics and maritime infrastructure between the two nations. Through this agreement, the two companies will also collaborate on the digital integration of customs, logistics, and regulatory processes via the Virtual Trade Corridor launched in September 2024.
The collaboration not only reinforces bilateral connectivity but also aligns with long-term economic visions that prioritize technological innovation, operational efficiency, and sustainable logistics solutions. By integrating their respective expertise, DP World and RITES are poised to revolutionize trade routes and accelerate economic interdependence between India and the UAE.
Drydocks World and Cochin Shipyard Unite for Maritime Innovation
Another pivotal development came in the maritime sector as Drydocks World, a DP World company, signed an MoU with Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), one of India’s top shipbuilding and maintenance firms. Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem and Madhu S Nair, Chairman and Managing Director of CSL, officiated the agreement.
The two companies will focus on developing ship repair clusters in strategic Indian ports such as Kochi and Vadinar. The agreement also covers joint offshore fabrication initiatives and collaborative marine engineering projects. This initiative is designed to enhance marine capabilities, create job opportunities, and promote bilateral expertise in a high-growth sector.
Given the strategic location of both Dubai and India in global maritime trade routes, this cooperation is expected to foster greater regional and international competitiveness in the shipping and port services sectors.
New Academic Horizons Open With IIMA Campus in Dubai
A landmark moment in the field of higher education came with the signing of an MoU between the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA), India’s most prestigious business school. Helal Saeed Almarri, Director-General of DET, and Bharat Bhasker, Director of IIMA, formalized the agreement.
This MoU paves the way for the establishment of a world-class IIMA campus in Dubai. The new academic institution will serve as a hub for global thought leadership, innovation, and entrepreneurial development. It is expected to attract students, faculty, and researchers from across the region and beyond, creating an intellectually stimulating environment that fosters international collaboration.
The initiative not only underscores Dubai’s position as a global education destination but also exemplifies the growing knowledge-based linkages between the UAE and India. It highlights a joint commitment to cultivating leadership and fostering excellence in academic pursuits.
Healthcare Collaboration Launches UAE-India Friendship Hospital
In a move that highlights the humanitarian side of the UAE-India partnership, Dubai Health signed an MoU to launch the UAE-India Friendship Hospital (UIFH), a not-for-profit institution that will provide inclusive and accessible healthcare services in Dubai.
The signing was led by Dr Amer Sharif, CEO of Dubai Health, alongside prominent founding trustees including Faizal Kottikollon, Chairman of KEF Holdings; Nilesh Ved, Chairman of Apparel Group; Siddharth Balachandran, Executive Chairman of Buimerc Corporation; Tariq Chauhan, Vice Chairman of EFS Facilities; and Ramesh S Ramakrishnan, Chairman of Transworld Group.
Endorsed at the highest leadership levels in both nations, the UIFH is poised to become a beacon of compassionate care, offering high-quality treatment options to a wide demographic, including underprivileged communities. The initiative also stands as a powerful testament to the shared values of generosity, compassion, and social responsibility embraced by both the UAE and India.
Medical Education Enhanced Through Dubai-AIIMS Cooperation
Rounding out the set of agreements was a significant academic and healthcare-oriented collaboration between Dubai Medical University (DMU) and India’s top-ranked medical institute, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS). The agreement was signed by Yahya Saeed Lootah, Vice Chairman of DMU’s Board, and Ahamadulla Shariff, Head of the Department of Anatomy at AIIMS.
The partnership focuses on research collaboration, faculty exchange, joint training programs, and enhanced student mobility between the two institutions. It aims to uplift medical education standards, promote evidence-based healthcare practices, and stimulate innovation in medical science.
By joining hands with AIIMS, Dubai is ensuring that its medical education ecosystem remains aligned with international benchmarks while also gaining access to the vast expertise and talent pool available in India.
Strategic Agreements Mark A New Era of Global Cooperation
These eight MoUs collectively mark the beginning of a new chapter in UAE-India relations. They reflect the vision of both nations to lead with innovation, commit to sustainable development, and foster people-centric partnerships. The impact of these agreements will not be limited to economic gains but will extend to social welfare, human capital development, and regional stability.
This collaborative spirit is a hallmark of the UAE’s approach to diplomacy and international engagement. With Dubai taking the lead in facilitating transformative partnerships, the UAE continues to present itself as a dynamic, forward-thinking country that values cooperation and mutual success.
As the UAE and India move forward, they do so not only as strategic partners but as allies united in a common pursuit of a more inclusive, prosperous, and innovative future for their people and the world.
