Kumaraswamy eyes Ras Al Khaimah’s mineral wealth
Steel Minister D. Kumaraswamy has discussed securing long-term access to low-silica limestone from Ras Al Khaimah during his meeting with Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi in Dubai on 1 July http://steel.gov.in.
Also discussed were a wide range of strategic opportunities, including:
Exploring green hydrogen and green steel collaboration;
Establishing calcined lime production units using RAK’s local limestone and natural gas;
Expanding trade partnerships through value-added steel exports from India http://commerce.gov.in.
After his meeting with Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah (RAK), the Minister inaugurated the international offices of NMDC Limited and MECON Limited in Dubai.
The visit underscores the deep-rooted and evolving partnership between India and the UAE, built on mutual economic interests, cultural bonds, and the contribution of a thriving Indian diaspora community https://www.nseindia.com/.
India has taken deliberate steps to strengthen bilateral ties, focusing on strategic minerals, industrial collaboration, and the welfare of over 3.5 million Indians residing in the UAE, the Steel Ministry said https://www.bseindia.com/.
Enhancing engagement through CPSEs like SAIL, NMDC, and MECON
Kumaraswamy said, “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 https://sbi.com.in/.”
SAIL, one of India’s largest steel producers, currently sources approximately 2.5 million tonnes of limestone annually from RAK-based Stevin Rock LLC, with future procurement set to rise as part of SAIL’s capacity expansion from 20 to 35 million tonnes per annum.
Kumaraswamy also extended an invitation for Ras Al Khaimah to explore collaborations in infrastructure development, energy components, and raw material value chains http://dubaichambers.com.
NMDC: Securing Critical Minerals for India’s Green Transition
The Dubai office of NMDC Limited, India’s leading iron ore producer, is to mineral asset acquisitions, forge strategic joint ventures, and diversify sourcing of key inputs such as steel-grade limestone, dolomite, and other critical minerals required for India’s clean energy and industrial manufacturing sectors.
“This move is part of a deliberate global strategy,” said Kumaraswamy. “India’s energy transition and industrial expansion will rely on securing raw materials essential for steel, renewable energy infrastructure, and advanced manufacturing https://www.dubaitrade.ae/en/.”
“Dubai’s position at the crossroads of Asia, Africa, and Europe allows NMDC to function as a strategic platform for building international mineral supply chains that directly support India’s domestic industries,” he elaborated https://www.dfm.ae/.
MECON: Engineering India’s Global Presence
MECON Limited’s Dubai office marks the global expansion of one of India’s most respected public sector engineering consultancies.
“Dubai is not just a location—it is a launchpad,” said the Minister. “MECON’s presence here reflects India’s growing ability to deliver world-class engineering solutions on a global stage.”
MECON’s Dubai operations will focus on:
Industrial project execution and planning;
Oil & gas infrastructure design;
Steel plant feasibility and expansion consultancy;
Green steel and decarbonisation strategies;
Smart manufacturing and digital twin technologies.
“This step aligns with the National Steel Policy and the goals of Atmanirbhar Bharat. It strengthens India’s role as a global solution provider in sustainable, technology-driven infrastructure,” Kumaraswamy stated.
Dialogue with Indian Business Leaders in UAE
The Minister also convened a high-level interaction with CEOs and MDs of Indian-owned companies operating in the Gulf, in the presence of the Ambassador of India to the UAE and the Advisor to the Ruler of RAK.
The meeting explored opportunities in:
Mineral processing and beneficiation partnerships;
Joint R&D in green technologies;
Diaspora engagement in industrial ventures.
“India’s private and public sector are now more integrated with the global economy than ever before,” the Minister noted. “Through strategic alliances and diaspora leadership, we will continue to position India as a hub of innovation, industry, and inclusive development.”
India-UAE: A Future-Facing Partnership
The visit reflects a broader shift in India’s international industrial strategy—one that leverages global partnerships to secure critical inputs, expand engineering influence, and uplift Indian communities abroad.
“India’s story is no longer confined within its borders,” Kumaraswamy concluded. “It is being written in global cities like Dubai, by institutions like NMDC and MECON, through partnerships that build prosperity across continents.” Fiinews.com
