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, which marked the first leg of his five-nation tour.
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Among the key announcements was an agreement on a framework for a strategic defence partnership between India and the UAE, underscoring growing security and military cooperation between the two countries.The two sides also signed a memorandum of understanding on strategic petroleum reserves and an agreement on supplies of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), strengthening India’s energy security ties with the Gulf nation.
In another development, an MoU was signed for setting up a ship repair cluster at Vadinar in Gujarat, aimed at boosting maritime infrastructure and industrial cooperation.
Separately, the UAE announced investments worth $5 billion in Indian infrastructure as well as in RBL Bank and Samman Capital.During his meeting with MBZ, Modi stressed the importance of “dialogue and diplomacy” in resolving regional tensions and praised the UAE president for showing “remarkable patience in a difficult situation.” He also condemned attacks on the UAE and said India “stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the UAE.”
Modi further thanked the UAE leadership for taking care of the Indian community in the country “like family,” highlighting the close people-to-people ties between the two nations. He voiced concern over the impact of the conflict in West Asia and stressed the need for dialogue and diplomacy to resolve tensions in the region.
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“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.
Highlighting the strategic importance of global energy and trade routes, Modi said it was essential that the Strait of Hormuz remained “free and open” and underscored the need to adhere to international law.
He also reaffirmed India’s support for the UAE, saying, “India stands shoulder-to-shoulder with UAE in every situation, and it will continue to do so.” Modi added that India 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 15-20, aimed at deepening India’s strategic engagement with Europe and the Gulf region across sectors including trade, technology, energy, innovation and green growth.
After Abu Dhabi, Modi will travel to the Netherlands, where he is scheduled to hold talks with Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten and meet King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima. Discussions are expected to focus on semiconductors, green hydrogen, defence, innovation and water management.
In Sweden, Modi will hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and jointly address the European Round Table for Industry alongside Ursula von der Leyen. Talks are likely to centre on artificial intelligence, emerging technologies, green transition and resilient supply chains.
The Prime Minister 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.