Strategic minerals, shared ambition, and a dash of humour—how India and UAE are welding a future of sustainable industrial growth
In a meeting that could best be described as “metallic diplomacy with a green twist,” Union Minister of Steel H.D. Kumaraswamy and UAE’s Minister of Economy H.E. Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri sat down to hammer out a future made of steel—and aluminium—with an eco-friendly polish.
Amid the buzz of Dubai’s economic corridors and air-conditioned optimism, the two ministers didn’t just exchange pleasantries—they exchanged visions. Under the India-UAE CEPA (Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement), the duo discussed building a robust supply chain for green steel, high-grade aluminium, and industrial cooperation that could give the Iron Throne a sustainable upgrade.
Kumaraswamy, clad in characteristic humility and high ambitions, said:
“India and UAE can be strong partners in green steel production and sustainable industrial growth.”
Translation: Let’s melt some metal, save the planet, and still make profit.
300 Million Tonnes by 2030: No Pressure, Just Steel Ambition
India, currently the world’s second-largest steel producer (and first in steel-based optimism), is eyeing a bold 300 million tonne steel target by 2030. That’s a lot of girders, gears, and glorious Giga-scale ambition.
The UAE, meanwhile, offers sunshine, silica, and strategic geography—making it the perfect ally for a country that wants its steel greener, stronger, and shipped faster.
Key Areas Discussed:
- Joint development of high-grade steel and aluminium for EVs, defence, and high-end mobility.
- Raw material security via Ras Al Khaimah’s limestone treasure troves.
- Technology exchange, smart infra, and maybe a few chai-samosa-fueled JV announcements.
CPSEs: India’s Steel Avengers Assemble in Dubai
The government’s trio of industrial superheroes—SAIL, NMDC, and MECON—have officially landed in Dubai. No capes, just contracts.
- SAIL is already importing 2.5 million tonnes of low-silica limestone from Stevin Rock. Rumour has it they’re eyeing long-term tie-ups that’ll make steel diplomacy rock-solid.
- NMDC is all in on mineral value chain partnerships—because digging together is the new hugging.
- MECON wants to lend engineering expertise across oil & gas and steel infra, smartening up the Gulf with blueprints and brainpower.
They even opened swanky new offices in Dubai, complete with coffee machines and supply chain ambitions.
CEPA Gets Steel Nerves
In a move to ensure this partnership doesn’t rust, Kumaraswamy proposed a joint working group for real-time opportunity mapping, logistics smoothing, and forging long-term gains.
“India does not see UAE as just a market, but as a strategic partner in reshaping the global industrial landscape,” he added.
(Also, it’s hot in both countries—why not forge ahead together?)
The meeting concluded with handshakes, high spirits, and a shared resolve to industrialize sustainably while sipping some metaphorical molten metal. If all goes to plan, this partnership could be the alloy India needs to hit $5 trillion GDP status—with a clean conscience and a shiny export portfolio.
