India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have moved closer to forging a robust industrial partnership focused on green steel, high-grade aluminium, and resilient supply chains. In a high-level meeting held under the India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) framework, Union Steel Minister Shri H.D. Kumaraswamy met UAE’s Minister of Economy, H.E. Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, to explore strategic collaborations in metals and minerals.
During the meeting, Shri Kumaraswamy highlighted India’s emergence as the second-largest steel producer in the world and emphasized the country’s commitment to sustainable, high-value manufacturing. He noted that UAE could play a pivotal role in helping India achieve its 300 million tonne steel production goal by 2030.
Both sides identified green steel and premium aluminium as key materials for growth in critical sectors such as automobiles, mobility, and advanced manufacturing. The Minister praised the UAE’s clean energy initiatives and global trade connectivity, calling them ideal enablers for industrial synergy.
Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) like SAIL, NMDC, and MECON were spotlighted as key players in this collaboration. SAIL is exploring long-term limestone sourcing agreements with UAE-based Stevin Rock LLC and is also positioning itself as a supplier of high-quality steel for UAE’s infrastructure growth.
NMDC, India’s leading iron ore producer, is seeking partnerships in mining operations, while MECON aims to contribute to oil & gas, smart infrastructure, and metallurgical consulting across the Gulf.
All three CPSEs have recently opened offices in Dubai, providing a permanent presence for joint ventures, trade logistics, and tech exchange.
To deepen industrial engagement, Shri Kumaraswamy proposed creating a joint working group to identify CEPA-aligned opportunities and streamline logistics and policy frameworks. He invited UAE’s industrial leaders to visit India and explore its fast-evolving steel ecosystem.
“India doesn’t just see UAE as a market—we see a strategic partner in shaping the future of the global industrial economy,” the Minister remarked, closing the meeting with a shared resolve to accelerate joint projects in line with India’s $5 trillion economic vision.
Source: Press Information Bureau
