India, Gulf Discuss Mineral Security & Green Steel Production

• India and UAE explore partnerships in steel, minerals, and green energy.
• SAIL to boost limestone imports from Ras Al Khaimah.
• NMDC and MECON open offices in Dubai to expand global presence.

India's footprint as an industrial leader is expanding globally, as underscored by Union Steel Minister HD Kumaraswamy, during his official visit to the United Arab Emirates. Minister Kumaraswamy's visit highlighted India's growing influence in the global marketplace, particularly cities like Dubai, and stressed the importance of institutions like NMDC and MECON working collaboratively to drive prosperity across international partnerships.

During his visit, Kumaraswamy initiated discussions with His Highness Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi on a few areas of strategic interest to the growth of regional cooperation between RAK and India.

Minister HD Kumaraswamy said, "India views steel not just as a material, but as the backbone of our infrastructure, mobility, energy, and manufacturing sectors. Ras Al Khaimah's mineral wealth, industrial potential, and clean energy focus make it an ideal partner for India's next-generation steel and resource strategy".

During the meeting, key areas of collaboration were identified including developing a long-term access to low-silica limestone quarrying from RAK, continuing to conduct value-added steel exports from India to Dubai, firming up/exporting green hydrogen and green steel, and establishing the production of calcined lime using resources from RAK.

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The Minister disclosed that SAIL, the largest steel producer in India, is currently importing 2.5 million tonnes of limestone each year from RAK’s Stevin Rock LLC. Given SAIL’s intention to grow production from 20 million tonnes to 35 million tonnes annually, the amount of limestone they buy will expand. He also encouraged RAK to consider collaboration with SAIL in the areas of infrastructure, energy, or supply chains for raw materials.

While in Dubai, Kumaraswamy participated in the opening of the international offices of NMDC and MECON Limited. NMDC, India’s largest producer of iron ore, now has the international office it needs to explore global mineral acquisitions and international strategic joint ventures, and to diversify sourcing of critical raw materials.

MECON has opened a Dubai office as the international office for one of India’s leading public sector consultancies in engineering, furthering India’s industrial and engineering footprint on the global horizon.

The minister said, "This move is part of a deliberate global strategy. India's energy transition and industrial expansion will rely on securing raw materials essential for steel, renewable energy infrastructure, and advanced manufacturing".

He added, "Dubai is not just a location - it is a launchpad...MECON's presence here reflects India's growing ability to deliver world-class engineering solutions on a global stage".