In a landmark move strengthening economic cooperation under the India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), three of India’s premier public sector undertakings in the Indian iron and steel sector have officially opened offices in Dubai:
NMDC Limited — India’s largest iron ore producer, aiming to expand mining operations and resource sourcing across MENA.
Steel Authority of India Ltd (SAIL) — expanding exports of Indian steel and forging new partnerships in the Gulf.
MECON Limited — a leading metallurgical consultancy, enhancing engineering and technical cooperation opportunities.
The official inaugurations were held during a high-level UAE visit led by India’s Union Minister of Steel and Heavy Industries, H.D. Kumaraswamy, from June 30 to July 2, 2025. This strategic expansion enables Indian PSUs to:
- Increase access to key raw materials like low-silica limestone.
- Leverage Dubai’s logistics hub for timely steel exports.
- Collaborate on green steel initiatives and critical mineral value chains, aligning with the UAE’s sustainability goals.
For more details, see the official PIB release and the Indian Embassy UAE announcement.
Benoy Jacob is a journalist-turned-business consultant, currently serving as the Director of Client Relations at ATB Corporate in Abu Dhabi. With a keen eye for market trends and business strategy, he helps companies expand, build strategic partnerships, and optimize their operations in the UAE. Benoy brings a unique perspective on economic policies, trade ecosystems, and investment opportunities in Abu Dhabi and the wider MENA region.