India-UAE Strategic Partnership Set for Major Expansion as PM Modi Visits Abu Dhabi

The visit comes during a phase of intensified high-level diplomatic engagement between the two nations. The momentum was most recently reinforced during Sheikh Mohamed’s visit to New Delhi in January, where both leaders reviewed the full scope of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and witnessed the signing of several crucial agreements.

Among the most significant developments was the signing of a Letter of Intent aimed at establishing a formal strategic defence partnership, marking a major advancement in bilateral security cooperation between India and the UAE.

Energy cooperation between the two countries has also witnessed substantial growth. Earlier this year, ADNOC Gas and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited signed a 10-year liquefied natural gas supply agreement estimated to be worth 3 billion US dollars. The agreement further strengthens long-term energy security cooperation between the two nations.

India and the UAE have also reaffirmed their commitment to increasing bilateral trade to 200 billion US dollars by 2032 under the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, reflecting the expanding scale of commercial and investment ties.

Cooperation in emerging technologies has emerged as another key pillar of the partnership. Both sides have agreed to work towards establishing a supercomputing cluster in India while also exploring the possibility of creating digital embassies between the two countries. Discussions have focused on critical sectors including artificial intelligence and high-performance computing.

Speaking to Akashvani, Indian Ambassador to the UAE Deepak Mittal said the partnership continues to expand across multiple sectors. He stated, “We are looking at new areas of technology, AI, defence, security and culture. Across every domain, the partnership exists.” He further described Prime Minister Modi’s visit as “very opportune,” noting that it comes at a time when the region is witnessing unprecedented developments.

Siddharth Balachandran, Chairman of the Indian Business and Professional Council Dubai and a recipient of the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman award, said the visit reflects the deep strategic and economic partnership shared by India and the UAE.

He stated that the Indian business community in the UAE values the enduring bilateral relationship, which continues to generate new opportunities for business, collaboration and shared prosperity for both countries.

The UAE remains India’s second-largest export destination. Indian exports to the Emirates have reached nearly 37 billion US dollars, while imports from the UAE stand at approximately 63 billion US dollars. More than four million Indians currently live and work in the UAE, reinforcing strong people-to-people relations that continue to serve as the foundation of the bilateral partnership.

Prime Minister Modi’s visit is expected to further accelerate cooperation in defence, trade, energy and advanced technologies, underlining the growing strategic importance of India-UAE relations in an evolving geopolitical landscape.