In a bilateral dialogue attended by government and private sector representatives, the increasing relationship between the UAE and India in the field of food security and Dubai's infrastructure facilities as a global supply chain for food and agricultural products was highlighted.

The three-hour 'India-UAE Food Dialogue' was organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry, CII, the leading umbrella organisation of India's industry, as part of India's International Food and Agri Week 2020. According to Omar Khan, Director of International Offices at the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the UAE's geographical proximity to India was a factor in achieving the' unrealized potential' of their bilateral trade.

Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem quoted Khan as saying that "India is poised to take advantage of the supply chain changes triggered by COVID-19" and will push global trade post-COVID-19. This was written in an article he published in the Khaleej Times by the Group Chair and CEO of DP World.

A virtual trade mission shared by Indian businesses, the Dubai Chamber organised the first-ever Dubai Tech Tour, Khan said. The aim of this virtual trade mission was to familiarise participants with Dubai's market, business environment and competitive benefits.

Ahmad Al Falahi, Commercial Attache at the UAE Embassy here, dealt comprehensively with the status of business ties between the UAE and India for the dialogue participants. He mentioned that UAE and India have regards to one another as strong food security partners. Trade and investment were the cornerstones of their bilateral strategic partnership, he said.

Rajeev Arora the Second Secretary at the Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi speaking for the Indian Government, commented that there was an increase of 43 percent in trade in food products between the UAE and India in April and September of 2020, despite the disruption of COVID-19 compared to the same time last year. This is expected to increase when the food corridor between India and the UAE becomes fully operational. Rajeev Arora the Second Secretary at the Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi speaking for the Indian Government, commented that there was an increase of 43 percent in trade in food products between the UAE and India in April and September of 2020, despite the disruption of COVID-19 compared to the same time last year. When the food corridor between India and the UAE becomes fully operational, this is expected to increase.

Sameer Nawani, Chief Representative of the International Office of the Dubai Chamber in Mumbai, said that in the trade ties between the two nations, food and agriculture were particularly important sectors.

As the number one exporter in the UAE food basket, India was listed by Abdulla bin Dhamithan, Chief Commercial Officer of DP World, UAE Zone. The UAE facilitated exports from India of mangoes, fresh farm produce and rice during the coronavirus pandemic.

Dubai is home to the largest port-based sugar refinery in the world and exports to 50 nations, he told the Indian audience.