India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have aimed to enhance their collaboration in energy, defense, shipping, and technology, signing six Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and announcing investments totaling $5 billion from the UAE into India. This development occurred during discussions between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, which took place during Modi’s brief stopover in Abu Dhabi en route to Europe.
During the talks, Modi strongly condemned the recent attacks on the UAE, implicitly referring to Iran without naming the country. He stated, “India stands with UAE shoulder-to-shoulder under all circumstances and will continue to do so in the future too,” while affirming India’s support for the early restoration of peace in the region.
One of the agreements signed will allow the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) to potentially increase its crude oil storage in India to 30 million barrels. Another MoU aims to facilitate a long-term liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) sale and purchase agreement between the two nations. Additionally, a framework for a strategic defense partnership was established, focusing on defense industrial collaboration, innovation, advanced technology, training, and joint exercises.
In a further indication of India’s commitment to regional stability, Modi emphasized the importance of safe transit and unimpeded navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, which is crucial for regional peace, stability, and security in energy and food supplies.
Modi’s arrival in the UAE coincided with ongoing BRICS foreign ministers’ discussions, which had been marked by tensions between Abu Dhabi and Tehran over West Asia conflicts. The meeting ended without a joint statement due to these differences, and Iran has continued to criticize Abu Dhabi for the stalemate.
In a reciprocal gesture following Modi’s visit to India in January, President Al Nahyan welcomed him personally at the airport, where UAE F-16 jets escorted Modi’s aircraft. This visit marked Modi’s eighth trip to the UAE as Prime Minister.
According to an Indian government statement, the leaders celebrated the $5 billion investment commitment from UAE entities, which includes $3 billion from Emirates NBD in RBL Bank of India, $1 billion from the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) for priority infrastructure projects in partnership with India’s National Infrastructure & Investment Fund (NIIF), and $1 billion from International Holding Company in Sammaan Capital. These investments exemplify the UAE’s long-term commitment to India’s economic growth and reinforce the strategic investment partnership between the two countries.
Referring to Al Nahyan as his brother, Modi described his visit as brief yet extraordinarily fruitful, expressing confidence that the outcomes would strengthen the ties of friendship and contribute to mutual growth and prosperity. Furthermore, two additional MoUs were signed to enhance ship repair cooperation, aimed at developing the skills of India’s maritime workforce and establishing the country as a hub for shipbuilding and repair expertise. Another agreement focuses on collaboration to create a supercomputing cluster as part of India’s AI Mission.
