New energy in UAE-India economic ties: Indian ambassador

New energy in UAE-India economic ties: Indian ambassador

On the anniversary of UAE-India Cepa, Sunjay Sudhir says the deal energises economic engagement between the two countries

Sunjay Sudhir, Indian Ambassador to the UAE.

By Vinay Kamat and Allan Jacob Published: Sun 30 Apr 2023, 9:00 AM Last updated: Sun 30 Apr 2023, 9:13 AM

The UAE-India Cepa which entered into force on May 1 last year, has infused new dynamism into the partnership, says Sunjay Sudhir, Indian Ambassador to the UAE, in an interview to Khaleej Times. This deal is not just about trade, it “energises the economic engagement” between the two countries, he says on the anniversary of the landmark pact coming into force. Now that business and people-to-people ties are booming under the agreement, the focus shifts to investments, services, human resources and startups, he says.

How much has the UAE-India Cepa achieved in a year?

Our achievements have been sky-high. Negotiating a complex trade agreement in just 88 days has never happened before, but we did it. UAE President, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi were committed to make it happen.

Cepa is not just about trade, though the document talks about tariff lines and trade quotas…and the service sector. This deal is