PM Modi UAE visit: India signs energy, defence and investment pacts with UAE amid Middle East crisis

PTC Web Desk:  Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday held extensive talks with UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi, with both nations signing a series of agreements focused on energy security, defence cooperation and investment amid growing instability in the Middle East.

The visit comes at a crucial time as global energy markets remain under pressure due to the ongoing conflict in the region. India has also recently witnessed an increase in petrol, diesel and CNG prices after months of shielding consumers from rising international crude oil costs.

During delegation-level discussions, India and the United Arab Emirates finalised multiple memorandums of understanding covering strategic defence cooperation, supply of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), strategic petroleum reserves and investments worth nearly $5 billion in Indian infrastructure projects, RBL Bank and Samman Capital.

An additional agreement was signed to establish a ship repair cluster at Vadinar in Gujarat’s Dwarka district, a move expected to strengthen maritime infrastructure and trade connectivity between the two countries.

Addressing the talks, Prime Minister Modi reaffirmed India’s support for the UAE and stressed the importance of peace and stability in the Gulf region. He said India would continue to stand with the UAE in challenging times and extend all possible cooperation for restoring stability in the region.

The Prime Minister also underlined the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz and called for keeping the crucial maritime route open and secure. He emphasised that international laws and global maritime norms must be respected, especially at a time when geopolitical tensions are affecting global trade and energy supplies.

PM Modi noted that bilateral ties between India and the UAE have gained greater significance in the current international environment. Referring to the UAE President’s visit to India earlier this year, he said both nations had agreed to elevate their comprehensive strategic partnership and had already achieved substantial progress in a short period.

He further stated that the impact of the ongoing Middle East conflict was being felt across the world and reiterated that dialogue and diplomacy remain the most effective tools for resolving disputes.

The UAE continues to remain one of India’s most important economic and energy partners. It is currently India’s third-largest trading partner and among the leading sources of foreign investment into the country. The Gulf nation is also home to more than 4.5 million Indians, making the welfare of the Indian diaspora an important aspect of bilateral engagement.

Officials said the long-term energy agreements signed during the visit are expected to further strengthen India’s energy security at a time of global uncertainty in oil and gas markets.

Following the UAE visit, Prime Minister Modi will begin the second leg of his foreign tour covering several European nations. He is scheduled to visit the Netherlands before travelling to Sweden for talks with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and participation in the European Round Table for Industry alongside European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

The Prime Minister will later attend the 3rd India-Nordic Summit in Norway and conclude his tour in Italy, where he is expected to meet Italian President Sergio Mattarella and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.