India and the United Arab Emirates are stepping up efforts to forge a deeper industrial alliance, with a particular focus on sustainable development through the joint production of green steel and the enhancement of cooperation in the aluminum and broader metals sectors. The ongoing dialogue forms part of a wider framework under the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the two nations, aimed at strengthening bilateral trade and industrial collaboration.
During a recent high-level meeting, Indian Steel Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy and UAE Economy Minister Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri discussed potential synergies in the production of environmentally responsible steel, alongside broader goals of high-quality material development for sectors such as automotive and heavy industry. The emphasis was placed on harnessing each country’s strategic strengths to align with global climate goals and industrial expansion plans. Speaking at the meeting, Kumaraswamy underscored the significance of UAE’s role in helping India realize its ambitious target of producing 300 million tons of steel by 2030. “India and the UAE can be strong partners in green steel production and sustainable industrial growth. The UAE can play a key role in helping India achieve its goal of producing 300 million tons of steel by 2030, in particular by supporting the security of raw materials and ensuring energy-efficient production systems,” he stated.
The term “green steel” refers to steel production processes that significantly reduce carbon emissions by using cleaner sources of energy such as hydrogen or renewable electricity, as opposed to traditional methods reliant on coal. With both nations aiming to lower their carbon footprints while still scaling up industrial capabilities, the development of green steel is being positioned as a critical area for joint innovation and investment. India’s steel industry, one of the largest in the world, is undergoing a rapid transformation to meet future demand while also adhering to sustainable practices. The UAE, known for its advanced logistics infrastructure, access to raw materials, and increasing investment in green technologies, presents a natural partner in this endeavor. Through such collaboration, both countries aim to co-develop technologies and share best practices in the realm of low-emissions manufacturing.
The two nations are not starting from scratch. There are already active examples of industrial cooperation. State-owned Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL), one of the country’s largest steel producers, currently imports approximately 2.5 million tons of limestone annually from Ras Al Khaimah-based Stevin Rock LLC in the UAE. This raw material is a critical component in the steel manufacturing process, and the ongoing trade underscores the interconnected nature of the supply chain between the two countries. Moreover, SAIL is now exploring the possibility of long-term commercial ties with UAE-based suppliers, which could solidify raw material security and reduce future sourcing uncertainties. The company is also evaluating opportunities to export high-quality Indian steel to the UAE, particularly for use in infrastructure development and industrial projects. Given the UAE’s massive investments in modernizing its infrastructure and its position as a hub for Middle Eastern construction and manufacturing, there is growing demand for durable, high-grade steel — a need that Indian producers are keen to meet.
India’s largest iron ore producer, NMDC (National Mineral Development Corporation), is also actively engaged in discussions with UAE-based firms. These conversations aim to establish a comprehensive value chain across the mining sector. Such a collaboration would not only enhance resource efficiency but also provide Indian mining companies with access to global markets through the UAE’s trade networks. In a further sign of long-term strategic intent, both SAIL and NMDC have already established international offices in Dubai. These outposts serve as regional bases to facilitate trade, monitor market conditions, and enhance connectivity with partners across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and beyond.
The green steel initiative is also aligned with India’s broader vision to scale up its steel production capacity to an ambitious 500 million tons annually by 2047 — a goal tied to the country’s centenary of independence. Meeting such targets will not only require massive investment in infrastructure and technology but also strong international partnerships that bring in capital, expertise, and resource access. The UAE, on the other hand, stands to benefit by gaining access to India’s vast and growing market, while simultaneously diversifying its economy beyond oil through value-added industrial investments. The nation is also positioning itself as a global hub for green technologies, and a partnership with India in green steel could cement its place in the emerging decarbonized industrial value chain.
This collaborative dialogue marks a pivotal step toward creating a sustainable and mutually beneficial industrial ecosystem. With shared ambitions to become global leaders in green technology and a combined focus on long-term industrial resilience, India and the UAE appear well-positioned to pioneer a new chapter in bilateral economic cooperation — one that goes beyond conventional trade and embraces a future shaped by clean, responsible growth.
As talks progress, industry observers will be watching closely for concrete announcements, particularly regarding joint ventures, shared R&D initiatives, and government policy support on both sides. With the groundwork laid and mutual interest clearly established, the partnership in green steel production may soon transition from vision to reality.
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India and UAE explore green steel partnership to drive sustainable industrial growth
