Synopsis: India and United Arab Emirates sign agreements on defence cooperation, LPG supplies, and strategic petroleum reserves during Narendra Modi’s Abu Dhabi visit amid growing global energy and geopolitical uncertainties.
India and United Arab Emirates signed multiple agreements covering defence cooperation, petroleum reserves, and liquefied petroleum gas supplies during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Abu Dhabi, strengthening bilateral strategic and energy ties amid rising geopolitical tensions in West Asia.
The agreements were signed during Modi’s meeting with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan as part of the Indian Prime Minister’s five-nation diplomatic tour focused on energy security, technology partnerships, trade, and strategic cooperation. The UAE visit has gained particular significance due to ongoing instability linked to the Iran conflict and disruptions affecting global oil and gas markets.
Among the key outcomes were memorandums of understanding related to strategic petroleum reserves and long-term LPG supply arrangements aimed at strengthening India’s energy security. Officials indicated that the agreements will support stable fuel supplies and deepen collaboration between Indian energy companies and Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC).
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The two countries also expanded defence cooperation through strategic security agreements intended to improve bilateral coordination in defence technology, maritime security, and regional stability initiatives. Analysts noted that India’s growing defence engagement with Gulf nations reflects shifting geopolitical dynamics and increasing focus on securing trade and energy routes.
India has been actively pursuing long-term energy partnerships as volatility in crude oil markets intensifies due to tensions around the Strait of Hormuz. The UAE currently remains one of India’s largest suppliers of crude oil and LNG, while ADNOC already participates in India’s strategic petroleum reserve infrastructure.
Reports also indicated that the UAE announced plans to invest nearly $5 billion in Indian infrastructure and financial sectors during the visit, further expanding economic cooperation between the two countries. Bilateral trade between India and the UAE has grown rapidly in recent years under the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), with both nations targeting a significant increase in trade volumes over the coming years.
The visit additionally highlighted India’s broader strategy of strengthening ties with key Gulf partners to ensure energy resilience, attract investments, and expand strategic influence amid evolving global geopolitical alignments.