Steel Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy met with UAE Minister of Economy Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri in a high-level dialogue aimed at strengthening industrial cooperation between India and the UAE under the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
The discussions centered around expanding trade, ensuring raw material security, and fostering joint innovation in the steel and aluminium sectors. The meeting reflected India’s broader push to forge resilient and forward-looking industrial partnerships globally.
Kumaraswamy highlighted India’s emergence as the world’s second-largest steel producer and reaffirmed the country’s focus on green steel, high-value manufacturing, and robust supply chains.
“India and UAE can be strong partners in green steel production and sustainable industrial growth,” he said. “The UAE can play a pivotal role in helping India reach its 300 million tonne steel production target by 2030, particularly by contributing to resource security and energy-efficient systems.”
Focus on High-Grade Steel and Aluminium
A key part of the discussion involved the co-development of high-grade steel and aluminium, essential for India’s expanding automotive and strategic sectors.
“We see real opportunities in jointly producing and trading high-quality steel and aluminium for critical sectors like mobility, automobiles, and advanced manufacturing,” Kumaraswamy noted.
The UAE’s clean energy framework, logistical advantages, and infrastructure capabilities were identified as key enablers in advancing this cooperation.
Public Sector Enterprises Taking the Lead
The meeting also spotlighted the role of Indian Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) in driving industrial engagement:
- SAIL currently imports approximately 2.5 million tonnes of low-silica limestone annually from Ras Al Khaimah’s Stevin Rock LLC and is exploring long-term supply agreements. The company also aims to serve UAE markets with premium-grade Indian steel.
- NMDC, India’s top iron ore producer, is looking to partner with UAE-based firms to build out the mining value chain and explore joint resource development.
- MECON, a leading engineering consultancy, is positioning itself to contribute to projects across oil & gas, steel plants, and smart infrastructure in the Gulf region.
All three CPSEs—SAIL, NMDC, and MECON—have recently opened international offices in Dubai to create a permanent base for trade coordination, joint ventures, and technology transfer.
Strengthening CEPA Through Structured Collaboration
To harness the full potential of CEPA, Kumaraswamy proposed establishing a joint working group between stakeholders from both nations. The group would focus on identifying targeted opportunities, streamlining logistics, and driving long-term collaboration in key sectors.
“India views the UAE not merely as a market, but as a strategic partner in shaping the future of global industry,” Kumaraswamy said. He extended an invitation to UAE investors and industry leaders to visit India and experience the country’s evolving steel sector.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to move forward with joint projects and trade frameworks, aligning with India’s broader economic vision of becoming a $5 trillion economy.
