The agreements were exchanged in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan during Modi’s short visit to the country, marking the first leg of his five-nation diplomatic tour aimed at expanding India’s strategic engagement with Europe and the Gulf region.
One of the most significant outcomes of the visit was the signing of an agreement on a framework for a strategic defence partnership between India and the UAE, reflecting rapidly expanding military and security cooperation between the two countries. The move is expected to deepen collaboration in defence technology, strategic coordination and regional security.
India and the UAE also signed a memorandum of understanding on strategic petroleum reserves and an agreement related to the supply of liquefied petroleum gas, reinforcing India’s energy security partnership with the Gulf nation amid growing global energy concerns.
In another major development, both countries signed a memorandum of understanding for the establishment of a ship repair cluster at Vadinar in Gujarat. The project is aimed at strengthening maritime infrastructure, industrial cooperation and regional shipping capabilities.
Separately, the UAE announced investments worth billion in Indian infrastructure projects as well as investments in RBL Bank and Samman Capital, underlining the growing economic partnership between the two countries.
During bilateral talks with Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Prime Minister Modi stressed the importance of “dialogue and diplomacy” in resolving regional tensions and praised the UAE President for displaying “remarkable patience in a difficult situation.” Modi also condemned attacks on the UAE and asserted that India “stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the UAE.”
The Prime Minister thanked the UAE leadership for treating the Indian community in the country “like family,” highlighting the strong people-to-people ties that continue to shape relations between the two nations.
Expressing concern over the continuing conflict in West Asia, Modi said the impact of the war was being felt globally and reiterated India’s longstanding position favouring peaceful negotiations and diplomatic engagement.
“The impact of war in the West Asia region is seen across the world today. India has always given importance to dialogue and diplomacy for resolving issues,” Modi said during the discussions.
Highlighting the strategic importance of global trade and energy routes, Modi said it was essential for the Strait of Hormuz to remain “free and open” while emphasising adherence to international law to ensure regional stability and uninterrupted maritime movement.
Reaffirming India’s support for the UAE, Modi stated that India would continue to stand with the Gulf nation “in every situation” and would extend “all possible cooperation” for the restoration of peace and stability in the region.
The UAE visit marks the beginning of Modi’s five-nation tour from May 15 to May 20, focused on strengthening cooperation in trade, technology, innovation, green growth and energy security with key international partners.
Following his visit to Abu Dhabi, Modi is scheduled to travel to the Netherlands for talks with Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten and meetings with King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima. Discussions are expected to focus on semiconductors, green hydrogen, defence cooperation, innovation and water management.
In Sweden, the Prime Minister will hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and jointly address the European Round Table for Industry alongside Ursula von der Leyen. The discussions are expected to centre on artificial intelligence, emerging technologies, green transition and resilient supply chains.
Modi will also participate in 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 participate in the summit.
The high-level diplomatic engagements underline India’s growing global outreach and strategic positioning amid shifting geopolitical dynamics, with defence, energy security, investment and technological cooperation emerging as central pillars of its international partnerships.
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