The momentum behind the UAE-India corridor is accelerating at remarkable pace, the spirit of which was clearly reflected at the UIBC-UC closed-door gathering held in Dubai under the theme celebrating “Strength in Resilience: Celebrating UAE’s Resilience and the India-UAE Growth Story.”
Held against the backdrop of PM Shri Narendra Modi’s recent visit to the UAE, the evening was graced in the august presence of H.E. Dr. Thani Al Zeyoudi, Hon. UAE Minister of Foreign Trade, H.E. Dr. Deepak Mittal, Ambassador of India to the UAE, and H.E. Satish Kumar Sivan, Consul General of India to Dubai & the Northern Emirates. The evening also brought together a distinguished gathering of senior policymakers, Ambassadors and Consuls General from several nations, along with industry doyens from UAE, India and the wider global community.
In his special address, H.E. Satish Kumar Sivan highlighted the unprecedented momentum generated through the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and emphasised the importance of sustained public-private collaboration in unlocking the next phase of bilateral growth. He also underscored innovation, technology, and advanced manufacturing as key drivers shaping the future of UAE–India economic cooperation.
Addressing the gathering as Guest of Honour, H.E. Dr. Deepak Mittal emphasized the strategic depth of the UAE-India relationship and the growing alignment between the two nations across economic priorities, global connectivity, and future-focused industries. He further highlighted the partnership’s potential to unlock opportunities globally, particularly across emerging markets such as Africa.
A keynote fireside chat featuring CEPA architect H.E. Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, moderated by Business Today Editor Mr. Siddharth Zarabi, explored the UAE’s evolving role as a global trade and investment hub, alongside the opportunities emerging from stronger UAE–India collaboration amid shifting global economic dynamics. H.E. Dr. Thani also underscored the pivotal role of UIBC-UC in advancing the revised CEPA bilateral trade target of USD 200 billion.
The evening also marked a defining moment in UIBC-UC’s journey with a significant leadership transition. Founding Chairman, Mr. Faizal Kottikollon, who has played a pivotal role in shaping the organization since its inception, formally passed the baton alongside outgoing Co-Chair Mr. Rizwan Soomar. Taking this legacy forward, Mr. Nilesh Ved assumes the role of Chairman, with Mr. Adeeb Ahamed as Co-Chair, ushering in a new chapter focused on fostering bilateral dialogue, unlocking strategic investment opportunities, and strengthening the enduring UAE-India partnership.
The evening further highlighted UIBC-UC’s growing role as a strategic catalyst through the unveiling of a series of forward-looking research initiatives focused on CEPA optimisation, tourism, investment opportunities in Africa, education-led development, and consumer and retail sector growth.
UIBC-UC extends its sincere gratitude to the Council’s founding members who graced the occasion with their presence - Mr. Nilesh Ved, Mr. Adeeb Ahamed, Mr. Faizal Kottikollon, Mr. Ankur Gupta, Mr. Tariq Chauhan, Mr. Amit Jain, Mr. Siddharth Balachandran, and Mr. Neeraj Makin- for their continued support, leadership, and enduring contribution to the Council’s growth and success.
The UIBC-UC team who championed the research and have been integral to the Council’s growth, including Kshitij Korde, Neha Sahni, Simar Kaur, Pratibha Prem Kumar, Aiswarria Suchith and Ujjwal Manda, were all in attendance for the occasion.
With the evening underscoring how UAE and India continue to turn global challenges into shared opportunities, guided by the vision of both nations’ leadership and the momentum of CEPA, the next phase of cooperation & partnership is well positioned to unlock deeper collaboration and advance toward the shared goal of USD 200 billion in bilateral trade.
