International Relations GS 2 In the news 11 times

India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA)

The India-UAE CEPA, signed on February 18, 2022, and operational from May 1, 2022, is one of the most successful bilateral trade agreements in India's recent FTA history. It was the first comprehensive trade pact India signed with any country in a decade (after Japan and South Korea CEPAs in 2010-11). The agreement covers goods, services, investment, digital trade, IPR, and government procurement, going beyond a traditional FTA.

Key details

Signed: February 18, 2022; operational from May 1, 2022
UAE tariff elimination: 97.4% of tariff lines (99% of India's exports by value); 80.3% duty-free from Day One
India tariff elimination: ~90% of tariff lines over 10 years
Bilateral trade (FY 2024-25): Surpassed $100 billion — five years ahead of the original target
Non-oil trade: Grew nearly 20% year-on-year to $65 billion; in H1 FY 2025-26, non-oil trade reached $38 billion (34% y-o-y increase)
Revised target: $200 billion bilateral trade by 2032 (upgraded from original $100 billion target)
Key Indian exports: Gems & jewellery, petroleum products, food items, textiles

In the news

● Tracked since February 20, 2026 · last seen July 27, 2026 · updates as the daily brief publishes

27 Jul '26

Trilateral critical mineral deals, wider air pact key to India-UAE ties ahead, says UAE Minister