UAE and India Strengthen Strategic Ties with Eight Landmark Agreements

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed and India’s Commerce Minister Witness Milestone MoUs Covering Key Sectors

In a major step toward deepening bilateral cooperation, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and His Excellency Piyush Goyal, India’s Minister of Commerce and Industry, jointly witnessed the signing of eight strategic Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) in Mumbai.

These wide-ranging agreements aim to bolster collaboration across vital sectors including trade, healthcare, education, logistics, and maritime services. The signing ceremony was part of Sheikh Hamdan’s official visit to India and was hosted by Dubai Chambers.

A Shared Vision for Resilience and Innovation

Speaking at the event, Sheikh Hamdan emphasized the strength of UAE-India relations:
“India and the UAE are bound by a deep-rooted friendship and a shared dedication to shaping the future through innovation, opportunity, and sustainable growth. These MoUs broaden and deepen our strategic partnership in line with our mutual commitment to creating resilient economies, empowering communities, and advancing knowledge, technology, and human development.”

He added that the new agreements build on the momentum generated by frameworks like the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement and the Bilateral Investment Treaty, marking a new chapter of progress for both nations.

Dubai Chambers Forge Stronger Business Links

Dubai Chambers signed MoUs with three of India’s top industry bodies: 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 partnerships aim to support Indian businesses expanding into Dubai and vice versa, offering strategic services, networking, and joint participation in trade fairs, exhibitions, and investment missions.

DP World Advances Supply Chain and Maritime Partnerships

DP World signed two key MoUs to reinforce UAE-India supply chain connectivity. The first, with India’s infrastructure consultancy RITES, focuses on developing resilient, tech-enabled logistics. The second, signed by Drydocks World with Cochin Shipyard Limited, aims to jointly develop ship repair clusters and advance India’s maritime sector under the Maritime India Vision 2030.

New Milestone in Education: IIM Ahmedabad to Open Dubai Campus

A landmark agreement between Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA) will establish a world-class IIMA campus in Dubai. Initially operating from Dubai International Academic City, the full-fledged campus is expected by 2029 and will support the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 by nurturing business leadership and innovation.

Healthcare Collaboration for Inclusive Impact

Dubai Health signed an MoU to establish the UAE-India Friendship Hospital, a not-for-profit initiative that will provide affordable, quality healthcare in Dubai. The project, endorsed by both governments, is a joint effort by key business leaders from the UAE and India.

In another healthcare advancement, Dubai Medical University (DMU) and the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) signed an agreement to foster academic and research cooperation. Focus areas include infectious diseases, climate change, AI in healthcare, and digital transformation in medical education.

A Future-Focused Partnership

These eight MoUs represent a significant leap forward in the UAE-India partnership, reinforcing their shared goal of building a resilient, innovation-driven, and inclusive future for both nations.