India and the Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) emirate in the UAE are deepening strategic cooperation in green steel and mineral sourcing, following a meeting between Indian Steel Minister H. D. Kumaraswamy and RAK ruler Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi in Dubai. The dialogue took place during the inauguration of new Dubai offices for NMDC Limited and MECON Limited, two major Indian state-run entities.
Talks centered on securing long-term access to low-silica limestone from RAK, a vital input for steelmaking, and exploring value-added steel exports from India. Both parties also discussed potential joint projects in green hydrogen, infrastructure development, and production of calcined lime using RAK’s local limestone and natural gas.
Kumaraswamy emphasized India’s view of steel as a foundational pillar for sectors including infrastructure and energy, positioning RAK’s mineral and energy assets as key to India’s green industrial ambitions. NMDC’s presence in Dubai will enable acquisitions and partnerships for critical raw materials, while MECON’s local office will support oil and gas infrastructure design, decarbonization strategies, and smart manufacturing technologies. The collaboration signals a strategic shift toward cleaner, more resilient industrial supply chains connecting India with the Gulf region.
