India–UAE CEPA: Third Joint Committee Meeting (2025)

The third meeting of the Joint Committee under the India–UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) was held in New Delhi.

The meeting demonstrated the determination of both countries to consolidate CEPA gains and elevate the partnership into the next phase of growth.

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🔹Strong Trade Momentum Under CEPA

India and the UAE welcomed the crossing of USD 100.06 billion in bilateral trade in FY 2024–25, marking a 19.6% annual growth.

This reinforced:

• UAE’s role as one of India’s most significant trading partners

• CEPA’s effectiveness as a growth driver, even in a volatile global economy

With hydrocarbons and gold trade traditionally dominating bilateral commerce, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to achieve:

📌 USD 100 billion non-oil, non-precious metal trade target by 2030

This represents a structural diversification strategically important to both economies.

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🔹Comprehensive Review of CEPA Implementation

Discussions addressed priority trade facilitation issues, including:

• Market access

• Rules of Origin compliance

• Anti-dumping and trade remedies

• BIS certification and regulatory approvals

• Enhancing services trade collaboration

• Data sharing mechanisms for real-time monitoring

Key Update by India:

• Gold Tariff Rate Quota (TRQ) to be allocated via
  a transparent, competitive bidding process
  → improves fairness and minimizes misuse

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🔹Sector-Specific Regulatory Cooperation

1️⃣ Pharmaceuticals

• Faster regulatory approvals

• Simplification of documentation
  → Boosts Indian pharma footprint in GCC markets

2️⃣ Agri & Food Exports

• Speedy finalisation of the MoU between:
  APEDA (India) × MoCCAE (UAE)

• Focus on food safety, quality standards, and supply chain protocols

This will enable:

• Greater exports of fruits, vegetables, millets, and processed foods

• New opportunities for Indian farmers & FPOs

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🤝 High-Level Diplomatic Engagements Strengthening CEPA

The Joint Committee reviewed recent meetings between:

• Shri Piyush Goyal

• H.E. Dr. Thani Al Zeyoudi

in Mumbai and Dubai, which accelerated resolution of pending issues and reinforced strategic alignment.

The UAE delegation also met Commerce Secretary Shri Rajesh Agrawal to discuss maximising CEPA utilisation by industries.

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🔹Forward Agenda Finalised

Both sides agreed to:

• Intensify regulatory collaboration

• Expand digital trade facilitation

• Strengthen systems for certificate of origin verification

• Convene the Services Subcommittee at the earliest

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🌍 Strategic Significance

For India	For UAE
Gateway to Middle East, Africa, Europe	Gateway to South Asian markets
Expands export base beyond oil & bullion	Reduces dependence on oil revenue
Supports MSMEs & startups in global value chains	Secures supply chains & food security
Links with IMEC & I2U2 initiatives	Strengthens regional connectivity leadership

CEPA is evolving beyond a trade agreement into a comprehensive economic partnership anchored in stability, growth, and market diversification.

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🧠 UPSC Exam Pointers

🚩Prelims – Must Remember Facts

• CEPA came into force: May 2022

• Bilateral trade in FY 2024–25: USD 100.06 bn

• Growth: 19.6%

• Target: USD 100 bn non-oil trade by 2030

• Food Safety MoU: APEDA × MoCCAE

• Gold TRQ: Competitive bidding

📝 Mains Key Phrases to Use

• High-trust trade architecture

• Diversification beyond hydrocarbons

• Digital-enabled customs cooperation

• West Asia strategic economic pivot

• Gateway to IMEC and I2U2 markets

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🎯 Mains Practice Question

Critically examine the role of CEPA in reshaping India–UAE trade relations, with special focus on diversification of export sectors. (150 words)