The United Arab Emirates and India discussed trade, regional security and a U.N. water conference during ministerial talks in Mumbai, as both governments pursue a $200 billion bilateral trade target.
UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan met Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar on Oct. 19. The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs said they discussed investment, finance, energy and cultural ties alongside trade and security. Its account said Sheikh Abdullah viewed the partnership as gaining momentum.
In a release dated Oct. 20, the ministry described an expanded meeting that also covered education, heritage and cooperation in international organizations. It said Sheikh Abdullah reaffirmed a commitment to strengthening the relationship. The ministry also reported discussions about India’s participation in the 2026 United Nations Water Conference.
Merchandise trade between the countries reached $101.25 billion in India’s fiscal year 2025–26, which ran from April 2025 through March 2026, India’s Press Information Bureau said. Their leaders set the $200 billion bilateral trade target in January. The target covers bilateral trade, while the fiscal-year figure measures merchandise trade.
A trade agreement in force since May 1, 2022, has expanded access to India’s market for UAE exporters. India reduces or eliminates tariffs on more than 80% of the products covered in the UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism’s description of the pact. India’s consulate in Dubai ranks the UAE as India’s third-largest trading partner and India as the UAE’s second-largest.
The ministry’s Oct. 19 and Oct. 20 releases said the ministers discussed regional security and the peaceful resolution of conflicts. Neither ministry release announced a signed agreement or an implementation timetable from the Mumbai talks.
The UAE and Senegal are scheduled to co-host the United Nations Water Conference in Abu Dhabi on Dec. 8–10, 2026.
