India, UAE discuss market access, trade pact progress

India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Thursday held the third meeting of the Joint Committee under the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) here with both sides noting a sharp upswing in bilateral trade and reaffirming plans to expand cooperation across key sectors.

The talks were co-chaired by Commerce Department Additional Secretary Ajay Bhadoo and UAE’s Assistant Undersecretary for International Trade Affairs, Juma Al Kait. Officials said the meeting reviewed the overall implementation of CEPA and assessed the progress made since the agreement came into force. Bilateral trade between the two countries crossed $100.06 billion in 2024-25.