India and the UAE have increased their efforts to develop the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC). IMEEC, which was launched during the G-20 Summit in Delhi in 2023, has signatories from India, the UAE, the US, the EU, Saudi Arabia, France, Italy, and Germany. The Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi issued a statement highlighting the corridor’s expanding significance. The discussions centred on key players, including major shipping companies.
A high-level Indian team, led by TK Ramachandran, Secretary, Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, met with HE Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, CEO of Abu Dhabi Ports. The delegation included Sunjay Sudhir, India’s Ambassador to the UAE; Rahul Mithal, CMD of RITES Ltd.; and Unmesh Wagh, Chairman of the JNPA. Before this, there were interactive discussions with terminal operators, shipping businesses, and customs officers.
The discussions also centred on the Master Application for International Trade and Regulatory Interface (MAITRI), which was introduced during Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s visit to India in 2024. The platform incorporates trade portals, resulting in seamless digital connectivity.
MAITRI supports the Virtual Trade Corridor, which would improve trade efficiency between India and the UAE, where bilateral commerce exceeds $85 billion.
