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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Pak, Afghan forces trade fire along Chaman border: Report
Islamabad (PTI): A heavy exchange of fire between Pakistani and Afghan forces was reported from the key Chaman border, according to a media report on Saturday.
Injuries were reported from the district hospital, but no fatalities occurred, the Dawn newspaper reported.
Officials from both sides accused each other of instigating the flare-up late on Friday night across the border in the Balochistan province.
While Pakistani officials said that Afghan forces had fired mortar shells on the Badani area, Afghan Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid claimed it was Pakistan that launched an attack on Spin Boldak, alleging that their forces were responding.
Pakistan's official sources told Dawn that Pakistani forces retaliated against the Afghan aggression and returned fire.
There were also reports of fighting on the Chaman-Kandahar highway, but these could not be immediately verified.
A senior official in Quetta confirmed on condition of anonymity that the exchange of fire started around 10 pm and continued until late at night.
The medical superintendent of Chaman district hospital said that three injured, including a woman, were brought to the medical facility.
There was neither any official word from the Inter-Services Public Relations -- Pakistan Army's media wing -- nor from the Foreign Office.
The Chaman border crossing, also known as Friendship Gate, connects Balochistan province to Afghanistan’s Kandahar.
Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have deteriorated amidst regular allegations by Pakistan regarding the failure of the Afghan regime to deny safe havens to Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan terrorists.
The two countries had agreed on a ceasefire following tensions last month, but the Foreign Office said last month that technically there was no truce as it was contingent on the Afghan Taliban stopping terrorist attacks in Pakistan, which they had failed to do.
