India’s 80th Independence Day drew strong praise from UAE business leaders, who see the country’s economic rise creating fresh opportunities for trade, investment, technology and entrepreneurship.
Business leaders from sectors including healthcare, retail, finance, jewellery and technology said India’s progress had strengthened its position in the global economy. They also pointed to the growing depth of India-UAE ties as a key part of that journey.
The comments came as Indian businesses and entrepreneurs continue to build stronger links between the two markets. Several leaders described the relationship as having moved well beyond traditional trade connections.
Adeeb Ahamed, managing director of LuLu Financial Holdings, highlighted India’s growing role in the global economy. He pointed to stronger cooperation in artificial intelligence, trade, investment and cross-border payments.
Anisha Sagar of Meydan Free Zone said Indian founders are increasingly setting up businesses in Dubai. She said the growing confidence of Indian technology, manufacturing and start-up companies is visible in the UAE market.
Other business leaders also highlighted India’s progress in technology, healthcare, manufacturing and entrepreneurship. They said these areas could create more room for cooperation between companies in both countries.
The relationship is also gaining a stronger start-up dimension. Anishkaa Gehani, who leads Yardstick Marketing Management and co-founded iAccel Gulf Business Incubator, said her organisations have helped Indian brands enter the UAE and supported the UAE-India start-up corridor.
Several leaders said the partnership now extends into areas such as healthcare, digital infrastructure, education, investment and innovation. Taher Shams of Zulekha Healthcare Group described the relationship as having developed from trade links into a broader strategic partnership.
The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement has also been cited as an important step in strengthening commercial ties. Syam P. Prabhu of AURION said the agreement has opened opportunities for businesses, investors and future industrial cooperation.
Yusuffali M.A., chairman of LuLu Group, said bilateral trade has crossed $100 billion. He linked the growing partnership to opportunities for businesses and people in both countries. The broader message from UAE business leaders is clear. India’s rise is creating a larger economic space for cooperation with the UAE, while the two countries are increasingly looking beyond traditional trade towards technology, talent, investment and joint business opportunities.
For Indian businesses operating in the UAE, that shift could make the next phase of the relationship more commercially significant than the one that came before.
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