Narendra Modi began his five nation diplomatic tour with a visit to the United Arab Emirates, where both countries announced major agreements and investment plans aimed at deepening strategic and economic ties.
Although the UAE visit was brief, reports indicate that it delivered significant economic and strategic gains for India through new partnerships in defence, energy and infrastructure sectors.
One of the biggest announcements during the visit was the UAE’s commitment to invest nearly 5 billion US dollars in India as bilateral trade and cooperation between the two countries continue expanding rapidly.
Officials from both countries also highlighted the importance of stability and economic resilience amid ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and uncertainty surrounding global energy markets and maritime trade routes such as the Strait of Hormuz.
India and the UAE signed a major memorandum of understanding to strengthen strategic defence cooperation. The agreement reportedly covers joint development of advanced defence technologies, co production initiatives, intelligence sharing and enhanced anti terrorism cooperation.
Another important agreement focused on strengthening India’s energy security through expanded cooperation on strategic petroleum reserves.
The Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, commonly known as ADNOC, will reportedly expand its existing partnership involving crude oil storage in India’s underground strategic reserves.
The two countries also finalised a long term liquefied petroleum gas supply agreement between Indian Oil Corporation and ADNOC to secure stable fuel supplies for India.
Officials said the agreement is expected to help meet nearly 40 percent of India’s domestic LPG requirements while protecting consumers from fluctuations in global energy prices.
In the infrastructure sector, both sides agreed on plans to establish a ship repair cluster at Vadinar in Gujarat. The project is expected to strengthen India’s maritime infrastructure and improve its position as a regional ship maintenance and repair hub.
India and the UAE have emerged as major economic partners in recent years following the signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement.
Bilateral trade between the two countries has already crossed 100 billion US dollars, with both nations now targeting 200 billion dollars in trade in the coming years.
