India is actively seeking to broaden its strategic partnership with the UAE by venturing into emerging sectors like nuclear energy, critical minerals, and genomics. This initiative was highlighted by Indian Ambassador to the UAE, Sunjay Sudhir, during the Indo-UAE Conclave organized by the India Today Group in collaboration with the UAE India Business Council-UAE Chapter.

During the event, Sudhir discussed how the bilateral relationship is transitioning beyond traditional areas and into sectors that are essential for future growth and sustainability. He stated, “Some of the areas we’ve already started working on – and others that are relatively new in our engagement, include the nuclear field and critical minerals.”

When questioned by Raj Chengappa, Group Editorial Director of the India Today Group, about India’s role in assisting the UAE with building power plants, Sudhir emphasized the significance of nuclear collaboration. He said, “Building power plants, servicing power plants – because this is the only country in the GCC,” noting that the UAE fulfills 25 percent of its energy needs through the Barakah Nuclear Plant, which is the first multi-unit operational nuclear plant in the Arab world.

In September 2024, a landmark agreement was signed between Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) and Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL). This agreement aims to exchange expertise and enhance cooperation in various areas such as supply chain development, human resource development, nuclear consultancy services, and future investments. This deal represents a significant milestone as the first bilateral arrangement in the nuclear sector.

Sudhir also expressed optimism about the potential for further collaboration, stating, “There’s a lot we can do to support their nuclear programme. There is a lot which we can do with them to support our nuclear programme,” particularly in developing small modular reactors for energy-intensive sectors like railways.

Shifting to critical minerals, Sudhir highlighted the pressing need for India to secure a reliable supply of these essential resources for the technology and clean energy sectors. He noted that UAE entities, in partnership with other nations, are actively acquiring assets in this domain. “These minerals are not needed in large quantities by the UAE, but if we can work out a reliable supply line with them, it will help us,” he said, adding that agreements have already been signed to initiate joint efforts in this area.

In addition, Sudhir pointed out the complementarity between India’s vast human resources and the UAE’s advanced technological framework in the fields of genomics and precision medicine. He also praised the successful collaboration in the space sector, remarking, “We’ve grown organically in the space sector, but the UAE has leapfrogged, sending a person into space for six months. There’s great potential for further collaboration in this domain.”