INDIA UAE CORRIDOR
‘Ocean freight rates will come down eventually, we have seen this before’: DP World COO
Global ocean freight rates are predicted to decrease after a surge due to logistical disruptions from the US-Iran conflict. DP World rerouted shipping routes through India to mitigate the impact on trade, showcasing the importance of Indian partnerships. Investment in Jebel Ali Free Zone increased significantly, with over 270 new Indian companies starting operations recently. Alternative routes were implemented for Indian cargo to bypass maritime bottlenecks, enhancing connectivity for trade.
India-US ties shift to deal-making as Trump's Iran policy looms
India must adapt to a US relationship driven by pragmatic deal-making, rethink its diaspora policy amid anti-immigrant sentiment, and play a bigger role in easing Iran tensions and shaping the global order.
Diversification plan: NMDC scouts for mining assets across four continents
NMDC is actively seeking mining assets worldwide, including critical minerals to support various industries. The company aims to earn 20 percent of revenues from minerals other than iron ore. This expansion aligns with government initiatives to secure raw material supplies and decrease import dependency. NMDC's strategy is expected to enhance its role in India's manufacturing sectors. Industries such as automotive, renewable energy, and electronics will benefit from these efforts.
Canadian billionaire and Asian banking titans find ₹1.32 lakh crore worth of interest in India
In recent months, foreign investment in India’s financial sector has grown significantly, resulting in major acquisitions. Fairfax Financial Holdings secured a large stake in IDBI Bank, while Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group poured resources into Shriram Finance. Additionally, Emirates NBD established a notable presence in RBL Bank. Such initiatives promise to alter the competitive dynamics and improve service capabilities in the Indian banking sector.
India building own strengths, establishing trusted partnerships amid evolving global landscape: EAM Jaishankar
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar participated in a panel discussion on global connectivity in Abu Dhabi. He highlighted India's strategy to bolster domestic capabilities and establish reliable international partnerships. Jaishankar also held meetings with officials from Georgia and the UAE to discuss expanded collaboration. The discussions focused on trade, tourism, culture, and strengthening diplomatic ties between the nations. The engagements reflect India's proactive approach to navigating the evolving global landscape.
Jaishankar says globalisation irreversible, calls for greater resilience amid rising global risks
S Jaishankar, during his visit to the UAE, highlighted that globalisation is irreversible and must be approached with resilience. He mentioned the increasing competition and new chokepoints impacting regional dynamics. Jaishankar pointed out the significance of the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor in enhancing connectivity. He also called for urgent reforms in multilateral institutions to reflect the new global order.
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Skyroot eyes funding boost; MDR deferment cheers D2C brands
Happy Thursday! Skyroot is eyeing a big funding round as it gears up to scale rocket production. This and more in today’s ETtech Morning Dispatch.

IHC, First Abu Dhabi eye stake in Bandhan Bank promoter
Early investors GIC & IFC jointly hold 30% in Bandhan Financial Services (BFSL), keen to exit. PE funds tapped too to gauge strategic interest. BFSL, led by Bandhan founder Chandra Shekhar Ghosh, has been working with advisers Jefferies to find strategic investors for 25-32%.

India expanding trade footprint to strengthen global ties and empower MSMEs: Piyush Goyal
India is increasing its network of free trade agreements (FTAs) to integrate deeply with global economies. Nine trade pacts covering 38 developed economies have been concluded in the past four and a half years. The trade pacts are not merely confined to bureacratic corridors but also include discussions with stakeholders. India is wrapping up deals with Canada and UK alongside energy deals with GCC and trade relations in West Asia and Americas.

Payoneer India Cross-Border Excellence Awards 2026 closes with a blueprint for India’s next export leap
India’s exports hit a record $863.1 billion in FY26, yet the businesses driving that growth rarely share the spotlight. On September 25 in New Delhi, the Payoneer India Cross-Border Excellence Awards 2026, in association with The Economic Times, closed its 2026 cycle with a summit on market access, growth corridors and outbound compliance, and 16 category winners that show what Indian global enterprise looks like today.

Need to have multiple routes under IMEC: French Special envoy
Gérard Mestrallet emphasized the significance of developing diverse routes for the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, especially in light of the ongoing tensions in Iran, which have led to a reassessment of connectivity strategies. There is growing interest from Oman, Egypt, Lebanon, Greece, and Cyprus in contributing to the project’s expansion.

Opportunity alone doesn’t create trade. Connectivity does
BRICS 2026 has built momentum. The next chapter will depend on how effectively agreements are matched by the corridors, infrastructure, technology, and systems needed to move goods reliably, with alternatives when disruptions occur.

Egypt navigates Mecca pact, steps up ties with India
President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi of Egypt met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to deliberate over the Mecca Pact. Their talks centered on fostering robust bilateral strategic partnerships, amid Egypt's choice to refrain from joining the defense pact. Observers remark that the Mecca Pact's relevance is questionable due to a shared enemy's absence. Nonetheless, Egypt positions itself as a crucial stabilizing force within the region.

Putin sees ‘very big potential’ in India ties, backs joint use of global trade corridors
Vladimir Putin highlighted significant potential for economic collaboration with India, particularly in transport and shipping corridors. He expressed readiness for joint maritime initiatives following successful pilot voyages with China and South Korea. Putin praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's efforts towards resolving the Ukraine conflict through dialogue and mutual understanding. Meanwhile, discussions about alternative trade routes to the Indian Ocean are gaining traction to mitigate regional transit risks.

India-US trade pact to 'unleash another level' of ties, says American official; reveals deal is '90%-plus' done
A senior US State Department official said the India-US trade pact is “90-per cent-plus” complete, with only final issues being resolved. The official said the agreement could “unleash another level” of bilateral ties, while highlighting upcoming diplomatic engagements, including Marco Rubio’s India visit and the next Quad foreign ministers’ meeting.

CBSE Class 12 fresh exams: Board to hold exams for students in 7 West Asian countries whose papers were cancelled; no fee to be charged
CBSE will conduct fresh Class 12 examinations for eligible students in Bahrain, Iran, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE whose results were prepared under a special assessment scheme after board exams were cancelled due to the prevailing war situation. Students can appear for subjects of their choice among the 40 affected subjects, with no examination fee.

PhonePe gets in-principle approval for two UAE payment licences
PhonePe has secured in-principle approval from the UAE central bank for two payment licences, marking its first international market entry. The company plans to work with local banks and payment firms and explore integration with domestic rails such as Aani and Jaywan once it receives final regulatory clearance.

India needs multi-route energy strategy as West Asia tensions threaten supplies: Experts
Growing West Asian tensions expose India's energy supply vulnerabilities. Experts urge a multi-route strategy and diversified crude and gas suppliers. Expanding storage and port infrastructure is also crucial for national energy security. Alternative routes and logistical options are needed to maintain supplies during crises. India must build resilience through reserves and flexible refining capacity.

Oman's Sohar Port positions itself as Gulf gateway for Indian traders amid Hormuz tensions
Oman's Sohar Port is actively positioning itself as a gateway for Indian businesses. The port offers integrated facilities and investment opportunities across various industrial sectors. This strategic location provides Indian traders with an advantage for regional expansion. Sohar Port is a fast-growing global hub with value-added services for businesses. Oman's other ports like Salalah and Duqm also support Indian trade and investment.

Getaway to the UAE: Chennai roadshow charts Indian exporters’ evolution into regional players
The Chennai edition of the Gateway to the UAE roadshow, hosted by Ajman Free Zone in partnership with The Economic Times and Times of India Digital, unpacked the metamorphosis of the Indian exporter, from selling into the UAE to using it as an operating and distribution base for the wider region.

Getaway to the UAE: Delhi roadshow charts India’s next leap into global markets
The Delhi edition of the Gateway to the UAE Delhi Roadshow, hosted by Ajman Free Zone in partnership with The Economic Times and Times of India Digital, brought together business, tax and trade experts to examine opportunities for Indian companies seeking to establish a regional presence in the UAE.

PM Modi holds bilateral meeting with Abu Dhabi Crown Prince on sidelines of 18th BRICS Summit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. This meeting occurred on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi. The UAE's recent membership in BRICS was a key discussion point for both leaders. Discussions focused on strengthening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and the UAE.

BRICS Summit 2026: Putin slams West's 'ugly' economic warfare, claims BRICS bloc has left G7 behind
Russian President Vladimir Putin stated BRICS nations now lead global economic growth. Western competitors are attempting to regain their former leadership position. BRICS economies have accounted for over forty percent of world GDP recently. He added that Russia faces unprecedented sanctions but its economy shows growth. Putin highlighted the rise of homegrown BRICS companies competing globally.

India-UAE trade to reach $200 billion by 2032, BRICS to drive investment: Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone official
India and UAE trade is projected to reach USD 200 billion by 2032. Closer economic ties and the India-UAE CEPA have already boosted bilateral trade significantly. The UAE's participation in BRICS offers new avenues for expanding trade and investment opportunities. Indian states and UAE investors are actively exploring new avenues for collaboration. Increased awareness of CEPA benefits will be crucial for achieving this ambitious trade target.

BRICS hand-in-hand: PM Modi, Putin, Pezeshkian, other leaders walk side by side, showcasing bloc unity
Prime Minister Narendra Modi led Russian President Vladimir Putin, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and other BRICS leaders at the Business Forum in New Delhi, where the leaders projected unity and called for deeper economic cooperation. Modi highlighted BRICS’ growing global economic weight, while Putin and Pezeshkian stressed stronger business ties and practical cooperation.

Putin pitches NDB investment platform to deepen BRICS trade, technology ties
Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed an NDB-based investment platform to fund trade, infrastructure, logistics and technology projects across BRICS, while stressing the grouping was not directed against other countries. He highlighted transport corridors, AI, finance and business cooperation as BRICS seeks greater economic resilience and reduced reliance on Western-led institutions.

BRICS 2026: From bigger to better? The New Delhi summit may put trade, tech and energy in focus
BRICS 2026 will test whether the expanded 11-member grouping can translate its growing economic and geopolitical weight into practical cooperation. With trade, payments, startups, AI, energy, critical minerals and climate finance on the agenda, India’s presidency faces a tougher challenge: building consensus among members whose strategic interests often diverge.

US sanctions on Iran: Basmati demand stays strong, pharma and livestock exporters face new hurdles
Iranian demand for Indian basmati remains resilient despite tougher US sanctions, but exporters are facing rising shipping, insurance, and payment risks. Pharma and livestock exporters are also navigating disruptions to established trade routes.

India-UAE growth corridor: $25 billion in 10 yrs, room for more investments
The India-UAE growth corridor presents substantial trade and investment opportunities for both nations. UAE executives highlighted India's need for improved dispute resolution and infrastructure. India received over $25 billion in UAE investments during the past decade. Experts noted talent and technology exchange is increasing between the two countries. Energy, urban growth, and AI make India an attractive investment destination.
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