Blitz Bureau
THE India Global Forum’s flagship Middle East & Africa 2024 (ME&A 2024) opened in Dubai, uniting leaders from India, the Middle East, and Africa under the theme ‘Limitless Horizons.’ The two-day forum aims to strengthen partnerships in key sectors, including technology, finance, sustainability, and innovation, featuring over 200 speakers and 1,000 participants.
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, addressed the gathering through a recorded message, highlighted the enduring strength of India-UAE relations. “The friendship between Bharat and the UAE is regarded worldwide as a model of mutual trust and collaboration,” he said. Reflecting on the success of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), he added, “The agreement has expanded bilateral trade to about $85 billion annually, unlocking significant opportunities for MSMEs and startups. Let us work together to realize Vision Bharat 2047 and the UAE’s ambitious Centennial 2071 Vision.”
Indian Ambassador to the UAE, Sunjay Sudhir, echoed these sentiments, celebrating the rapid transformation of bilateral ties. “Our corridor has evolved into a corridor of trade, technology, talent, and trust,” he remarked. On the swift negotiation of CEPA, he noted, “The agreement was finalized in just 88 days—a testament to the mutual trust between our nations.”
IGF Founder and Chairman Manoj Ladwa emphasized the forum’s broader mission, stating, “India-UAE ties are not merely about trade agreements but reflect a deeper alignment of values and shared aspirations. IGF Middle East & Africa is an opportunity to translate this momentum into tangible benefits for our nations and the broader region.” He added, “Our future lies not in conflict but in conversation and collaboration. The challenges of poverty, climate change, inequality, and digital divides demand a collective response to build a sustainable future.”
The fourth edition of the forum coincides with significant developments in India-UAE relations, including the recently signed Bilateral Investment Treaty and a landmark MoU on civil nuclear cooperation. With the UAE serving as India’s third-largest trading partner, bilateral trade reached $83.65 billion in 2023-24, reflecting the strengthening economic ties between the two nations.
