<p>Mumbai: The United Arab Emirates is a very crucial strategic partner for India and can play a significant role in enabling India’s access to Europe through the India-Middle East Economic Corridor, said Dr Vijay Kalantri, Chairman of World Trade Center-Mumbai and President of the All India Association of Industries (AIAI).</p><p>“Dubai, in particular, plays a vital role as a commercial and logistics hub, and serves as a major re-export centre for Indian goods, including gems and jewellery, food products, electronics, and textiles,” Dr Kalantri said the International Business Roundtable with the Dubai Chamber of Commerce at WTC-Mumbai.</p><p>The event was jointly organised by WTC Mumbai and AIAI and witnessed participation from more than 60 Indian companies. </p><p>“India shares deep historical and economic ties with the United Arab Emirates, which is currently our third-largest trading partner. Bilateral trade between the two countries stands at approximately $84.8 billion,” he said.</p>.Dubai Chamber's new Bengaluru office signals strong focus on tech, AI: Experts.<p>“Dubai’s business-friendly environment, with a focus on initiatives like simplified tax policies and the establishment of free zones, continues to attract Indian enterprises. The city hosts a large and vibrant Indian diaspora and has seen significant investment from Indian companies in sectors such as real estate, infrastructure, energy, private equity, and financial services. On the other hand, UAE’s cumulative investment in India is around $23 billion,” Dr Kalantri said.</p><p>Speaking about the purpose of the meeting, Dr. Kalantri stated, “The main objective today was to align synergies and enhance business opportunities between the two regions. Although Dubai has shown strong interest in investing in India, the pace of actual investment has been relatively slow. Nonetheless, Dubai’s participation in Indian business summits and India’s engagement in Dubai-hosted expos are promising signs of a shared commitment to deeper economic cooperation.”</p><p>Looking ahead, Dr. Kalantri underlined India’s appeal as a high-growth economy. “India remains a highly attractive destination for investors from Dubai, being the fastest-growing major economy and on course to become a $5 trillion economy in the near future. There is great potential for future cooperation in areas like digital trade, logistics, clean energy, and innovation. With a strong global network of World Trade Centers, including one in Dubai, we are happy to assist Indian businesses in establishing a presence there. We also look forward to facilitating stronger ties through the Dubai Chamber of Commerce.”</p><p>Abhijitsinh Jadeja, Chief Representative – India, Dubai Chamber, in his presentation highlighted Dubai’s growing relevance as a global hub for Indian enterprises.</p><p>“Dubai continues to evolve as a strategic gateway for global trade and investment. With its diversified economy, strong logistics network, world-class infrastructure, and investor-friendly environment, it offers Indian businesses a robust platform to access the wider Middle East, Africa, and European markets. The city ranks consistently among the top global destinations for ease of doing business. Key enablers such as 100% foreign ownership in most sectors, zero personal income tax, and an extensive network of free zones make it extremely attractive for Indian entrepreneurs,” he said. </p><p>Referring to the India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), he added, “The CEPA has opened new opportunities across sectors, particularly in food processing, textiles, gems and jewellery, electronics, and services. Bilateral trade has already crossed USD 84 billion, and we anticipate further momentum as more Indian companies tap into the Dubai ecosystem. With initiatives like the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33) and the city’s focus on digital transformation, AI, fintech, and clean energy, there is immense potential for Indian startups and SMEs to scale globally through Dubai,” he added.</p>
<p>Mumbai: The United Arab Emirates is a very crucial strategic partner for India and can play a significant role in enabling India’s access to Europe through the India-Middle East Economic Corridor, said Dr Vijay Kalantri, Chairman of World Trade Center-Mumbai and President of the All India Association of Industries (AIAI).</p><p>“Dubai, in particular, plays a vital role as a commercial and logistics hub, and serves as a major re-export centre for Indian goods, including gems and jewellery, food products, electronics, and textiles,” Dr Kalantri said the International Business Roundtable with the Dubai Chamber of Commerce at WTC-Mumbai.</p><p>The event was jointly organised by WTC Mumbai and AIAI and witnessed participation from more than 60 Indian companies. </p><p>“India shares deep historical and economic ties with the United Arab Emirates, which is currently our third-largest trading partner. Bilateral trade between the two countries stands at approximately $84.8 billion,” he said.</p>.Dubai Chamber's new Bengaluru office signals strong focus on tech, AI: Experts.<p>“Dubai’s business-friendly environment, with a focus on initiatives like simplified tax policies and the establishment of free zones, continues to attract Indian enterprises. The city hosts a large and vibrant Indian diaspora and has seen significant investment from Indian companies in sectors such as real estate, infrastructure, energy, private equity, and financial services. On the other hand, UAE’s cumulative investment in India is around $23 billion,” Dr Kalantri said.</p><p>Speaking about the purpose of the meeting, Dr. Kalantri stated, “The main objective today was to align synergies and enhance business opportunities between the two regions. Although Dubai has shown strong interest in investing in India, the pace of actual investment has been relatively slow. Nonetheless, Dubai’s participation in Indian business summits and India’s engagement in Dubai-hosted expos are promising signs of a shared commitment to deeper economic cooperation.”</p><p>Looking ahead, Dr. Kalantri underlined India’s appeal as a high-growth economy. “India remains a highly attractive destination for investors from Dubai, being the fastest-growing major economy and on course to become a $5 trillion economy in the near future. There is great potential for future cooperation in areas like digital trade, logistics, clean energy, and innovation. With a strong global network of World Trade Centers, including one in Dubai, we are happy to assist Indian businesses in establishing a presence there. We also look forward to facilitating stronger ties through the Dubai Chamber of Commerce.”</p><p>Abhijitsinh Jadeja, Chief Representative – India, Dubai Chamber, in his presentation highlighted Dubai’s growing relevance as a global hub for Indian enterprises.</p><p>“Dubai continues to evolve as a strategic gateway for global trade and investment. With its diversified economy, strong logistics network, world-class infrastructure, and investor-friendly environment, it offers Indian businesses a robust platform to access the wider Middle East, Africa, and European markets. The city ranks consistently among the top global destinations for ease of doing business. Key enablers such as 100% foreign ownership in most sectors, zero personal income tax, and an extensive network of free zones make it extremely attractive for Indian entrepreneurs,” he said. </p><p>Referring to the India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), he added, “The CEPA has opened new opportunities across sectors, particularly in food processing, textiles, gems and jewellery, electronics, and services. Bilateral trade has already crossed USD 84 billion, and we anticipate further momentum as more Indian companies tap into the Dubai ecosystem. With initiatives like the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33) and the city’s focus on digital transformation, AI, fintech, and clean energy, there is immense potential for Indian startups and SMEs to scale globally through Dubai,” he added.</p>