PM Modi in UAE: India signs defence, gas supply and strategic oil reserves pacts with Abu Dhabi
The agreements were made in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan during Modi’s brief visit to the country, the first leg of his five-nation tour.
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Key announcements included an agreement on a strategic defense partnership framework between India and the UAE, underlining the growing security and military cooperation between the two countries. The two sides also signed an agreement on supply of strategic oil reserves and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), strengthening India’s energy security ties with the Gulf country.
In another development, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed for setting up a ship repair cluster in Vadinar, Gujarat, aiming to strengthen maritime infrastructure and industrial cooperation.
Separately, UAE announced investments worth $5 billion in RBL Bank and Samman Capital, as well as in Indian infrastructure. During his meeting with MBZ, Modi emphasized the importance of “dialogue and diplomacy” in resolving regional tensions and praised the UAE president for showing “extraordinary patience in a difficult situation”. He also condemned attacks on the UAE and said India “stands shoulder to shoulder with the UAE”.
Modi also thanked the UAE leadership for taking care of the Indian community in the country “like family”, highlighting the close public ties between the two countries. He voiced concern over the impact of the conflict in West Asia and stressed the need for dialogue and diplomacy to resolve tensions in the region.
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“The impact of the war in the West Asian region is seen all over the world today. India has always given importance to dialogue and diplomacy in solving problems,” Modi said.
Drawing attention to the strategic importance of global energy and trade routes, Modi stated that it is vital for the Strait of Hormuz to remain “free and open” and underlined the need to comply with international law.
He also affirmed India’s support to the UAE, saying, “India stands shoulder to shoulder with the UAE in all situations and will continue to do so.” Modi added that India would expand “all possible cooperation” to restore peace and stability in the region.
The UAE visit marks the beginning of Modi’s five-nation tour from May 15 to 20, aimed at deepening India’s strategic relationship with Europe and the Gulf region in sectors such as trade, technology, energy, innovation and green growth.
After Abu Dhabi, Modi will travel to the Netherlands, where he will meet Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten and meet King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima. Discussions are expected to focus on semiconductors, green hydrogen, defence, innovation and water management.
Modi will hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson in Sweden and will make a joint speech at the European Industrial Round Table with Ursula von der Leyen. The talks are expected to focus on artificial intelligence, emerging technologies, green transition and resilient supply chains.
The Prime Minister will also attend the third India-Nordic Summit in Oslo on May 19 and hold bilateral talks with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store. Leaders from Denmark, Finland, Iceland and Sweden are also expected to attend the summit.
