India, UAE Forge Strategic Partnership in Green Steel & Aluminium Sector

In a strategic move to enhance industrial cooperation and advance sustainable manufacturing, India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have initiated discussions to collaborate in the production of green steel and high-grade aluminium. Union Minister of Steel, Shri H.D. Kumaraswamy, met with H.E. Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, UAE’s Minister of Economy, under the India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) framework to explore synergies in clean energy-driven metallurgy, global supply chain resilience, and long-term resource security.

Why in News?

The high-level engagement took place on July 1, 2025, and signals a deeper India-UAE commitment to sustainable industrial growth. With India aiming to produce 300 million tonnes of steel by 2030, the UAE is positioned as a strategic partner in terms of raw material supply, infrastructure support, and clean energy systems.

Key Objectives of the Meeting

• Strengthen India-UAE industrial ties under CEPA.
• Collaborate on green steel production and energy-efficient systems.
• Develop high-grade aluminium and steel for automotive and strategic applications.
• Boost trade and resource security through joint ventures.

Highlights of the Discussion

• Shri Kumaraswamy emphasized India’s position as the 2nd-largest steel producer globally and its growing role in green manufacturing.
• The UAE’s clean energy infrastructure and strategic trade location were identified as major assets in this partnership.

Joint development of high-quality steel and aluminium for,

• Automobiles
• Strategic industries
• High-end manufacturing

Role of CPSEs (Central Public Sector Enterprises)

• SAIL: Imports ~2.5 million tonnes of limestone annually from UAE’s Stevin Rock LLC and is exploring long-term supply tie-ups.
• NMDC: Interested in expanding mining collaborations in the Gulf.
• MECON: Plans to support engineering projects in oil & gas, steel plants, and smart infrastructure across the UAE.
• All three CPSEs have established international offices in Dubai to facilitate trade and technology exchange.

Future Collaboration Mechanism

• Proposal to set up a joint working group to identify opportunities under CEPA.

Focus on,

• Logistics optimization
• Technology partnerships
• Investment facilitation

Strategic Vision

• The Minister stated that UAE is not just a market but a strategic partner in India’s industrial future.
• The collaboration supports India’s ambition of becoming a $5 trillion economy.