Abu Dhabi: India and the United Arab Emirates on Friday elevated their strategic partnership with the signing of several major agreements covering defence cooperation, energy security, infrastructure development and maritime collaboration during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Abu Dhabi. The visit marked the opening leg of Modi’s five-nation diplomatic tour aimed at strengthening India’s engagement with key partners in the Gulf region and Europe.
The agreements were exchanged in the presence of Prime Minister Modi and UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, reflecting the growing depth of ties between the two nations. Over the past few years, India and the UAE have significantly expanded cooperation across trade, defence, technology, energy and investment, turning the bilateral relationship into one of India’s most important strategic partnerships in the Gulf region.
One of the most significant outcomes of the visit was the signing of a framework agreement for a strategic defence partnership. The pact is expected to enhance military cooperation, defence coordination and security collaboration between the two countries at a time when geopolitical tensions continue to affect the wider West Asia region. The agreement also signals increasing trust between New Delhi and Abu Dhabi on regional security matters.
Energy cooperation emerged as another major focus during the visit. India and the UAE signed a memorandum of understanding on strategic petroleum reserves, aimed at strengthening India’s long-term energy security. The two sides also concluded an agreement related to the supply of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), further deepening India’s energy ties with one of its key Gulf suppliers.
India, which imports a substantial portion of its crude oil and gas requirements, has consistently sought to diversify and secure reliable energy partnerships. The latest agreements with the UAE are expected to provide greater stability in energy supplies amid global uncertainties and volatile oil markets.
In a significant development for maritime and industrial cooperation, the two countries also signed an MoU for the establishment of a ship repair cluster at Vadinar in Gujarat. The project is expected to boost India’s maritime infrastructure, create employment opportunities and enhance industrial cooperation between Indian and Emirati companies. The proposed cluster is likely to strengthen India’s shipping and logistics ecosystem while supporting the country’s broader economic and trade ambitions.
Alongside the government-level agreements, the UAE announced investments worth $5 billion in Indian infrastructure projects as well as investments in RBL Bank and Samman Capital. The investment announcement highlights growing confidence among Emirati investors in the Indian economy and aligns with India’s push to attract foreign investment into infrastructure and financial sectors.
During bilateral talks with Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Prime Minister Modi emphasized the importance of “dialogue and diplomacy” in resolving tensions and conflicts in West Asia. Referring to the ongoing instability in the region, Modi said the impact of war in West Asia was being felt globally and reiterated India’s long-standing position that disputes should be resolved through peaceful means and diplomatic engagement.
The Prime Minister also underlined the strategic importance of maintaining peace and stability in critical global trade routes, particularly the Strait of Hormuz. Stressing the need to uphold international law, Modi said it was essential for the Strait to remain “free and open” for global commerce and energy transportation.
In a strong message of solidarity, Modi stated that India “stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the UAE in every situation” and condemned attacks on the Gulf nation. He assured the UAE leadership that India would continue to extend all possible support for efforts aimed at restoring peace and stability in the region.
The Prime Minister also thanked the UAE leadership for taking care of the large Indian diaspora in the country “like family.” The Indian community in the UAE, one of the largest expatriate populations there, has long served as a vital bridge between the two countries and contributes significantly to economic and cultural ties.
Modi’s UAE visit is part of a broader five-nation tour scheduled from May 15 to May 20. Following Abu Dhabi, the Prime Minister is expected to visit the Netherlands, Sweden and Norway, where discussions will focus on trade, technology, green energy, semiconductors, innovation and resilient supply chains. He will also participate in the India-Nordic Summit in Oslo alongside leaders from Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden.
