Dubai can be India’s strategic gateway to access African and European Markets
“UAE 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, President of the All India Association of Industries (AIAI) and Chairman of World Trade Center Mumbai, at the International Business Roundtable with the Dubai Chamber of Commerce at World Trade Center Mumbai. The event was jointly organised by AIAI and WTC Mumbai and witnessed participation from more than 60 Indian companies. He further added, “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 USD 84.8 billion,”
Highlighting Dubai’s strategic importance in the region, he said, “Dubai, in particular, plays a vital role as a commercial and logistics hub, and serves as a major re-export center for Indian goods, including gems and jewellery, food products, electronics, and textiles. Its 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 USD 23 billion.”
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.”
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 USD 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.”
Mr. Abhijitsinh Jadeja, Chief Representative – India, Dubai Chamber, in his presentation highlighted Dubai’s growing relevance as a global hub for Indian enterprises. He said, “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.”
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.”
Underscoring the Chamber’s role, Mr. Jadeja remarked, “The Dubai Chamber’s India office is committed to facilitating partnerships, offering market intelligence, and handholding Indian businesses through every step of their expansion journey. We invite Indian companies to explore Dubai not just as a trading hub, but as a long-term strategic partner for growth.”
Ms. Hitika Shewakramani, Assistant to the Chief Representative- India, Dubai Chambers, Ms. Aakruti Bagwe, Director- Operations, WTC Mumbai, Ms. Priya Pansare, Director- Trade and Investment Promotion, WTC Mumbai, Mr. Abhijitsinh Jadeja, Chief Representative – India, Dubai Chamber, Dr. Vijay Kalantri, President, AIAI, and Chairman, WTC Mumbai, Capt. Somesh Batra, Vice Chairman, WTC Mumbai and Capt. Ramesh Gulati, Member of Council of Management, WTC Mumbai.