India-UAE CEPA pushes trade to $37.6 billion in H1 2025
Dubai: The UAE-India Business Council – UAE Chapter (UIBC-UC) has released a landmark study highlighting the sweeping impact of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) on bilateral trade and investment.
According to the report, covered by Gulf News, non-oil bilateral trade between India and the UAE touched US$37.6 billion in the first half of 2025, marking a 33.9% increase compared to the same period in 2024.
The study, titled “Strength in Synergy: Unlocking India-UAE CEPA Global Potential,” was launched following a closed-door meeting in Dubai attended by Piyush Goyal, India’s Commerce and Industry Minister, and Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of Foreign Trade, alongside senior business leaders.
Gulf News reported that CEPA has broadened opportunities in sectors such as gems and jewellery, food processing, telecom, green energy, and digital services. New growth avenues are also emerging in artificial intelligence, space technology, sustainability, and financial integration, making the agreement far more than a conventional trade deal.
The report also stresses the UAE’s role as a preferred hub for Indian high-net-worth individuals and family offices, fostering joint ventures and deepening economic alignment.
Faizal Kottikollon, Chairman of UIBC-UC, described CEPA as a “blueprint for the future.” He said the pact demonstrates how political will and shared vision can build a resilient model of cross-regional cooperation and innovation-led growth.
As Gulf News highlighted, the study recommends enhanced collaboration in clean energy, digital integration, education, research ecosystems, and human capital development, while positioning CEPA within global platforms like BRICS, G20, and the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC).
The UIBC-UC paper, reported by Gulf News, concludes that CEPA is not just strengthening trade but also reshaping the long-term strategic and economic partnership between the two nations.
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Woman dies after falling off crowded local train in Thane district
Thane (PTI): A 28-year-old woman died after falling off a crowded suburban local train during the morning rush hour in Maharashtra's Thane district on Saturday, the Government Railway Police (GRP) said.
The incident occurred around 8.10 am at the Badlapur railway station, an official from the Kalyan GRP said.
The victim, Chetana Devrukhkar, was attempting to board a moving train heading for Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) when she slipped and fell on the platform, senior inspector Pandhari Kande of the Kalyan GRP said.
He said that the deceased worked with a firm in Thane and was travelling to work.
A case of accidental death has been registered in connection with the incident.
