India-UAE CEPA has lifted bilateral trade past $100 billion, with India running a $26.53 billion deficit
Background
The India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) came into force in May 2022.
Bilateral trade stood at $101.25 billion in 2025-26, against $100.03 billion in 2024-25.
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said the CEPA has helped bilateral trade cross $100 billion.
India's exports to the UAE were $37.36 billion and imports $63.89 billion, leaving India a trade deficit of $26.53 billion.
UAE foreign direct investment into India was $2.45 billion in April-December of 2025-26, against $4.34 billion in 2024-25.
Bilateral trade 2025-26:
$101.25 billion
India's trade deficit:
$26.53 billion
UAE investment into India:
$2.45 billion (April-December of 2025-26)
Why it matters for exams: India's trade pacts and its trade balance with a major partner such as the UAE are recurring economy and international-relations questions.
Kerala PSCUPSCBank
In plain words
CEPA Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement — India's free trade pact with the UAE, in force since May 2022.