India-UAE Trade Targeted to Reach US$ 200 Billion by 2032, BRICS to Support Investment Opportunities
- IBEF
- September 14, 2026
India-UAE bilateral trade is expected to reach Rs. 18.88 lakh crore (US$ 200 billion) by 2032, supported by strengthening economic ties, investment flows and the growing role of BRICS. Strategic Country Manager, Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone, Mr. Mohammad Haseeb, highlighted the significant potential for further expansion in bilateral trade and business engagement. Bilateral trade currently stands at around Rs. 9.53 lakh crore (US$ 101 billion), compared with approximately Rs. 6.89 lakh crore (US$ 73 billion) before the implementation of the India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). The agreement has strengthened market access and economic engagement between the two countries, while greater awareness among businesses about its benefits is expected to support the long-term trade target. The UAE has also emerged as an important investment partner for India, with nearly Rs. 2.36 lakh crore (US$ 25 billion) invested in India over the past two decades and a further Rs. 47,190 crore (US$ 5 billion) investment commitment made recently. More than 200,000 Indian companies operate in the UAE, highlighting the depth of bilateral commercial ties.
Economic cooperation between India and the UAE has expanded beyond merchandise trade and investment to include tourism, technology, digital payments and emerging technologies. Around 4.5 million Indians reside in the UAE, contributing to strong people-to-people and business linkages. Cooperation in areas such as the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), virtual corridors and emerging technologies is further broadening the economic relationship. The UAE's participation in BRICS during India's 2026 Chairship is expected to provide an additional platform for expanding trade and investment among member countries and creating opportunities for startups and businesses. Investment engagement between Indian states and the UAE is also increasing, with delegations from Punjab, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and Odisha exploring investment opportunities in the UAE, while UAE investors continue to engage with Indian markets. Greater awareness of CEPA provisions and sustained investment cooperation are expected to remain important for achieving the Rs. 18.88 lakh crore (US$ 200 billion) bilateral trade target by 2032.
Disclaimer: This information has been collected through secondary research and IBEF is not responsible for any errors in the same.
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