Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s short but high-profile visit to the United Arab Emirates on Thursday resulted in a series of major strategic, energy and infrastructure agreements aimed at deepening India-UAE cooperation across multiple sectors, while also highlighting growing concerns over instability in West Asia and the Strait of Hormuz crisis.
During delegation-level talks with UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi, Modi stressed the importance of dialogue and diplomacy in resolving regional conflicts and reiterated India’s support for peace and stability in the Gulf region.
“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. It is essential that Hormuz remains free and open. In this regard, it is important to abide by international laws,” Modi said during the talks.
The Prime Minister further assured the UAE of India’s continued support amid rising regional tensions. “India stands shoulder-to-shoulder with UAE in every situation, and it will continue to do so. For the restoration of peace and stability, India will extend all possible cooperation,” he added.
Among the key outcomes of the visit was the signing of an Agreement on the Framework for Strategic Defence Partnership, aimed at strengthening military cooperation, technology sharing and long-term strategic coordination between the two nations.
India and the UAE also signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Strategic Petroleum Reserves and another agreement focused on long-term supplies of Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG), reinforcing the Gulf nation’s role as a crucial energy partner for India.
In the maritime sector, both countries announced an MoU for establishing a Ship Repair Cluster at Vadinar in Gujarat, expected to support India’s shipping infrastructure and industrial expansion along the western coast.
One of the biggest announcements during the visit was a UAE-backed investment commitment worth $5 billion in Indian infrastructure projects as well as investments linked to RBL Bank and Sammaan Capital. Officials described the package as a major boost for India’s infrastructure and financial sectors.
The visit comes amid heightened geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and concerns over disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical oil transit routes. India and the UAE have significantly expanded cooperation in trade, defence, logistics, fintech and energy over the past decade, particularly after signing the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
Officials said the agreements signed during Modi’s visit are expected to further strengthen long-term strategic and economic cooperation between New Delhi and Abu Dhabi.