India And UAE Deepen Industrial Ties: Focus On Green Steel And High-Grade Aluminium

In a significant step to strengthen bilateral industrial cooperation, Union Minister of Steel and Heavy Industries, H.D. Kumaraswamy, held a high-level meeting with H.E. Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, UAE’s Minister of Economy. The meeting, held under the ambit of the India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), focused on expanding trade in steel and aluminium, securing raw material supply chains, and fostering innovation-led industrial growth.

Speaking during the dialogue, Minister Kumaraswamy emphasized India’s emergence as the second-largest steel producer globally and reiterated the country’s commitment to green steel production, high-grade manufacturing, and resilient global supply chains. He noted, “India and UAE can be strong partners in green steel production and sustainable industrial growth. UAE’s role will be crucial in helping India achieve its 300 million tonne steel production target by 2030, especially in the areas of raw material security and energy-efficient processes.”

Strategic Focus: High-Grade Steel & Aluminium for Key Sectors

A major highlight of the meeting was the proposal for joint development and trading of high-grade steel and aluminium, essential for India’s automotive, mobility, and strategic sectors. Minister Kumaraswamy underlined the mutual benefits, saying, “We see strong synergy in co-developing premium materials vital for next-generation manufacturing.”

The UAE’s clean energy ecosystem, world-class logistics, and trade connectivity were acknowledged as pivotal enablers in this partnership.

CPSUs Leading Bilateral Engagement

The Minister highlighted the active role of India’s Central Public Sector Undertakings (CPSUs) in fostering India-UAE industrial collaboration:

SAIL, a Maharatna PSU, imports nearly 2.5 million tonnes of low-silica limestone annually from Ras Al Khaimah-based Stevin Rock LLC. SAIL is exploring long-term partnerships and opportunities to supply premium Indian steel for UAE’s infrastructure needs.

NMDC, India’s largest iron ore producer, is keen to collaborate with UAE-based firms on mining and mineral value chain development.

MECON, a premier engineering consultancy, is looking to contribute to steel plant development, oil & gas infrastructure, and smart city projects in the Gulf region.

All three PSUs have recently inaugurated international offices in Dubai, providing a sustained platform for trade facilitation, technology collaboration, and joint ventures.

Strengthening CEPA Through Institutional Mechanisms

To fast-track cooperation, Minister Kumaraswamy proposed establishing a Joint Working Group under CEPA to identify sector-specific opportunities, streamline logistics, and institutionalize long-term industrial collaboration.

“India views UAE not merely as a trade partner, but as a strategic ally in redefining the global industrial landscape,” he said. He also extended a formal invitation to UAE investors and industry leaders to visit India and explore emerging opportunities in the steel and manufacturing sectors.

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to develop joint projects, mutual investments, and trade frameworks that align with India’s aspiration of becoming a $5 trillion economy.