Union Steel Minister H D Kumaraswamy met with Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) Ruler Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi in Dubai to discuss strategic collaboration opportunities. Talks included securing long-term access to low-silica limestone from the UAE and exploring green steel initiatives.

Discussions also covered prospects in green hydrogen, value-added steel exports from India, and establishing calcined lime production using RAK’s local limestone and natural gas. Both parties emphasized deeper cooperation through Indian CPSEs such as SAIL, NMDC, and MECON.

Kumaraswamy invited RAK to explore partnerships in infrastructure, energy, and raw material value chains. He highlighted Ras Al Khaimah's mineral and clean energy strengths as key to India’s future steel strategy.

The NMDC office will support mineral acquisitions and joint ventures, while MECON’s Dubai unit will focus on industrial project planning, green steel, and digital manufacturing. SAIL currently sources 2.5 million tons of limestone annually from RAK-based Stevin Rock LLC.