Focus on sustainable industry
India UAE Green Metals Alliance: India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have launched a key initiative to jointly develop green steel and premium aluminium, marking a major industrial shift. The initiative was formalized during a meeting between Union Steel Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy and UAE Economy Minister Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri on July 1, 2025.
This partnership falls under the broader India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). It aims to promote eco-friendly manufacturing, strengthen supply chain resilience, and ensure long-term resource security.
Strengthening bilateral economic ties
India is the second-largest steel producer in the world, with a target of 300 million tonnes of production by 2030. The UAE, with its clean energy infrastructure and strategic geographical location, is seen as a valuable industrial ally.
The focus of the discussion included:
- Joint development of energy-efficient green steel
- Production of high-grade aluminium for automotive and defence sectors
- Industrial trade enhancement and raw material security
Static GK fact: The UAE is one of India’s top five trade partners and hosts the largest Indian diaspora overseas.
Strategic role of public sector enterprises
Three major Indian Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) are pivotal to this alliance:
- SAIL already imports around 2.5 million tonnes of limestone annually from Stevin Rock LLC (UAE) and is planning longer-term tie-ups.
- NMDC is exploring expanded mining collaborations across the Gulf region.
- MECON is preparing to deliver engineering solutions for oil & gas, steel plants, and smart infrastructure projects in the UAE.
Static GK fact: SAIL (Steel Authority of India Limited) is the largest state-owned steel-making company in India.
Infrastructure and technology cooperation
A joint working group is expected to be established. It will identify and implement future collaboration strategies in:
- Logistics optimization
- Technology transfer in metallurgy
- Investment facilitation for bilateral projects
These steps are critical to streamline operations, cut emissions, and achieve scale in eco-friendly metal production.
Driving India’s economic ambition
India’s broader goal of becoming a $5 trillion economy is closely linked with such strategic alliances. The partnership with UAE goes beyond trade—it signals a shared industrial vision powered by clean energy and sustainable growth models.
Static GK Tip: India aims to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2070, making green industrial partnerships vital to this target.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
India UAE Green Metals Alliance:
| Topic | Detail |
| Meeting Date | July 1, 2025 |
| Key Participants | H.D. Kumaraswamy (India), Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri (UAE) |
| Framework | India-UAE CEPA |
| India’s Steel Rank | 2nd largest globally |
| 2030 Steel Target | 300 million tonnes |
| Limestone Source | Stevin Rock LLC, UAE |
| SAIL’s Import Volume | 2.5 million tonnes annually |
| Key Sectors Targeted | Automotive, defence, high-end manufacturing |
| CPSEs Involved | SAIL, NMDC, MECON |
| Strategic Goal | $5 trillion Indian economy by 2030 |
