Dubai, UAE: In a landmark step towards enhancing India’s industrial and strategic footprint in global markets, Union Minister of Steel, Mr H.D. Kumaraswamy inaugurated the international offices of NMDC Limited and MECON Limited in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The event marks a major milestone in India’s efforts to secure critical minerals, expand engineering consultancy services, and solidify India-UAE bilateral cooperation.
A New Gateway for India’s Global Mineral Strategy
The opening of the Dubai offices by two of India’s top Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), NMDC Ltd and MECON Ltd, is seen as a strategic move to leverage Dubai’s geographical and commercial position as a gateway to Africa, Australia, and South America. The aim: build a resilient global mineral supply chain and drive India’s industrial ambitions, including green steel and renewable infrastructure.
“This move is part of a deliberate global strategy,” said Mr Kumaraswamy.
“Dubai offers the perfect vantage point for NMDC to lead India’s mineral diversification, especially in sourcing critical minerals for green transition technologies.”
Read Also: NMDC Powers Tribal Healthcare Dreams with Fully-Funded Courses for Chhattisgarh Youth
Meeting with Ras Al Khaimah’s Ruler: Strengthening Bilateral Industrial Ties
The Union Minister’s visit began with a high-level meeting with His Highness Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah (RAK). Discussions included:
- Long-term procurement of low-silica limestone
- Value-added steel exports from India
- Setting up calcined lime production units
- Collaboration on green hydrogen and green steel
- Expanding CPSE presence in the region through SAIL, NMDC, and MECON
Currently, SAIL procures 2.5 million tonnes of limestone annually from Stevin Rock LLC, RAK, and is expected to increase procurement with its expansion plans from 20 to 35 MTPA.
NMDC: Building India’s Global Mining Network
As India’s leading iron ore producer, NMDC Ltd is now actively scouting mineral-rich regions for acquisitions in Africa, Australia, and South America, including critical minerals like steel-grade limestone, dolomite, and elements needed for energy transition.
With the Dubai office now functional, NMDC will:
- Enable real-time global market response
- Facilitate direct partnerships with international miners
- Track policy and regulatory shifts across regions
- Collaborate with governments, research institutions, and business leaders
- MECON: Taking Indian Engineering to Global Markets
MECON Ltd, India’s renowned engineering and consultancy PSU, now extends its services to the Middle East from Dubai. The firm aims to become a regional hub for infrastructure design, project execution, and green industrial solutions.
Key areas of focus include:
- Oil & gas infrastructure design
- Steel plant planning and decarbonisation
- Smart manufacturing systems
- Digital twin technologies for industrial optimisation
“Dubai is not just a location—it is a launchpad,” Mr Kumaraswamy emphasized.
“This office represents India’s ability to offer world-class engineering solutions globally.”
Strategic Dialogue with Indian Business Leaders in the Gulf
In an interactive session, the Minister engaged with CEOs and MDs of Indian companies operating in the Gulf, joined by the Indian Ambassador to the UAE and RAK’s Advisor. The conversation highlighted:
- Investment opportunities in mineral processing
- Joint R&D initiatives in green energy
- Deepening diaspora participation in industrial ventures
“India’s public and private sectors are now firmly embedded in global value chains,” Kumaraswamy noted.
“Our diaspora is a force multiplier in expanding Indian innovation abroad.”
Read Also: NMDC Targets 22% Output Growth to 55 MT in FY26; On Track for 100 MT Iron Ore Goal by 2030, Says CMD
India-UAE: A Partnership for Future Industries
The new Dubai offices align with India’s National Steel Policy and the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, while reinforcing ties with the UAE’s industrial sector. This cooperation spans areas of:
- Raw material security
- Green steel diplomacy
- Clean energy technologies
- Global digital and engineering services
“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 bring prosperity across continents.”
About NDMC
NMDC Limited, a Navratna PSU under the Ministry of Steel, is India’s largest producer and exporter of iron ore, operating fully mechanized mines in Chhattisgarh and Karnataka. Apart from iron ore, NMDC is also involved in the exploration of other minerals such as rock phosphate, gypsum, diamond, coal, and more. It operates the country’s only mechanized diamond mine located in Panna, Madhya Pradesh
