DP World and RITES Ink Strategic MoU to Strengthen India-UAE Trade Ties

By Admin

14 Apr, 2025

In a significant move set to reshape the future of trade and logistics between India and the UAE, RITES Limited and DP World have signed a transformative Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This strategic collaboration aims to explore joint opportunities in infrastructure development, including ports, multimodal logistics parks, free trade zones, rail connectivity projects, and logistics services.

Forging a Global Logistics Partnership

The MoU was signed during the CEO-Connect: Dubai-India Economic Ties & Opportunities forum held in Mumbai, in the esteemed presence of HH Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, Shri Piyush Goyal, Minister of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, HE Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO of DP World, and Shri Rahul Mithal, Chairman & Managing Director of RITES Limited.

The agreement signifies the shared vision of both nations to create a more integrated and efficient logistics ecosystem that can boost bilateral trade and support global supply chains.

Building on the Virtual Trade Corridor

This MoU builds on the momentum created by the Virtual Trade Corridor (VTC), launched in September 2024. Developed with the support of MAITRI and in collaboration with RITES, the VTC integrates customs, logistics, and regulatory processes into one seamless digital framework. This initiative has already facilitated strategic workshops in India and the UAE, identifying key decisions that have set the stage for scaling up the VTC's proof of concept. Key ports including Nhava Sheva, Deendayal, and Jebel Ali have been chosen as nodal points to demonstrate the VTC’s operational potential.

Voices from the Top

Commenting on the partnership, Rahul Mithal, Chairman & Managing Director of RITES, remarked,
"This is an alliance of like-minded entities, bringing in experience, expertise, and a rich legacy. By leveraging our collective strengths and resources, we are poised to create transformative synergies across key infrastructure projects, setting new benchmarks in operational excellence across global logistics initiatives."

HE Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO of DP World, echoed this sentiment, stating,
"This partnership with RITES Limited marks a significant milestone in our journey towards enhancing trade and infrastructure development between India and the UAE. By leveraging the power of public-private collaboration and our combined expertise, we will bring innovation and efficiency to trade corridor development—creating diversified trade routes that build resilience and unlock opportunities for everyone."

Towards Resilient and Efficient Supply Chains

The collaboration between RITES and DP World is expected to set new standards in infrastructure development and trade facilitation. By combining RITES’ technical prowess in transport infrastructure with DP World’s vast experience in port operations and smart logistics solutions, the partnership aims to build robust supply chains that can withstand global challenges and disruptions.

Conclusion

This MoU marks a pivotal moment in the journey towards deeper India-UAE trade integration. It reflects a shared commitment to innovation, operational excellence, and sustainable development in logistics and trade infrastructure. As the collaboration unfolds, it promises to not only strengthen bilateral ties but also create a blueprint for future-ready, technology-driven global trade ecosystems.