Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the United Arab Emirates marked a new phase in India-UAE strategic relations, with both countries signing five agreements, including a long-term LPG supply pact.
During a high-level meeting in Abu Dhabi, Prime Minister Modi and UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan held discussions on energy cooperation, defence collaboration, investment and infrastructure partnerships. Several agreements and memorandums of understanding were exchanged in the presence of both leaders.
The LPG supply agreement was among the key outcomes of the visit, with both sides agreeing to strengthen long-term cooperation to support India’s energy requirements. Agreements were also signed on strategic petroleum reserves, defence and security cooperation, ship repair infrastructure in Vadinar, Gujarat, long-term energy partnership, and investment and infrastructure collaboration.
Prime Minister Modi received a ceremonial welcome upon his arrival in Abu Dhabi. According to reports, fighter jets of the UAE Air Force escorted the Prime Minister’s aircraft to Abu Dhabi. UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan personally received Prime Minister Modi at the airport.
The two leaders also discussed stability in global energy markets and the need to ensure uninterrupted energy supplies amid ongoing tensions in West Asia. Prime Minister Modi stressed the importance of keeping the Strait of Hormuz open and secure, stating that conflicts and tensions in the region affect the entire world. He said India has consistently supported dialogue and diplomacy as the means to resolve disputes. Modi also underlined the need to uphold international law and ensure the security of maritime trade routes.
Prime Minister Modi condemned recent attacks on the UAE and said attacks on the sovereignty and territorial integrity of any country are unacceptable. He also thanked the UAE government for ensuring the safety and welfare of the Indian community residing there during difficult circumstances.
During the visit, the UAE also announced an investment of $5 billion in India. The investments are expected to be directed towards infrastructure projects and sectors including RBL Bank and Sammaan Capital.
The United Arab Emirates remains India’s third-largest trading partner. Bilateral trade between the two countries is valued at more than Rs 6 lakh crore. India exports petroleum products, textiles, food items, engineering machinery, chemicals, gems and jewellery, and agricultural products to the UAE, while the UAE continues to be a major source of crude oil and energy supplies for India.
During the meeting, Prime Minister Modi described the UAE as his “second home” and thanked President Al Nahyan for the warm welcome. He said the relationship between India and the UAE extends beyond strategic partnership and is based on deep trust between the people of both countries.
The visit also highlighted India’s expanding strategic engagement in West Asia, with India seeking to strengthen both energy security and regional economic partnerships. India’s ties with the UAE, Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries have strengthened significantly in recent years.
The report stated that after announcing its decision to exit OPEC, the UAE has accelerated efforts to pursue an independent energy strategy and has set a target of producing five million barrels of oil per day by 2027. Experts said this could create additional opportunities for long-term energy agreements between India and the UAE.
India and the UAE also agreed to deepen cooperation in maritime security, strategic defence partnership and ship repair infrastructure. The proposed ship repair cluster in Vadinar, Gujarat, is being viewed as significant for maritime cooperation in the Indian Ocean region.
