Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan signed a series of agreements covering defence, energy, shipping and economic cooperation during high-level talks in Abu Dhabi on Friday, further strengthening strategic ties between India and the United Arab Emirates.
The agreements were finalised during Prime Minister Modi’s official visit to the Gulf nation, as both countries seek to expand cooperation in areas including trade, energy security, technology and regional stability.
A key focus of the discussions was defence cooperation. According to official statements issued after the meeting, the new strategic defence partnership aims to enhance collaboration in defence manufacturing, innovation and advanced technologies. The agreement also includes cooperation in maritime security, cyber defence, secure communications, military training, joint exercises, and information exchange.
During the talks, Prime Minister Modi reiterated India’s support for the UAE’s security and condemned recent attacks targeting the country. In a statement shared on social media platform X, Modi said India condemned the attacks “in the strongest terms.”
Energy cooperation also featured prominently during the visit. Both countries signed agreements related to strategic petroleum reserves and the supply of liquefied natural gas (LNG). Discussions also included proposals linked to crude oil storage and long-term energy collaboration.
Officials said the agreements are expected to contribute to India’s long-term energy security, particularly as global energy markets continue to experience volatility. India imports a significant portion of its crude oil requirements, with a substantial share of supplies passing through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.
In addition to defence and energy cooperation, the UAE announced investment commitments of up to five billion US dollars aimed at supporting infrastructure, technology, logistics and industrial projects in India.
Following the talks, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan stated on X that discussions with Prime Minister Modi focused on expanding cooperation in energy, technology and other priority sectors.
The UAE is home to a large Indian expatriate community, and bilateral relations between the two countries have strengthened considerably in recent years through growing trade, investment and strategic cooperation.
The latest agreements highlight the expanding India-UAE partnership as both countries continue to deepen economic and security cooperation in the region.
