Narendra Modi Meets UAE President, India-UAE Ties Reach New Strategic High

The Voice of Chandigarh 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid an official visit to the United Arab Emirates, where he was warmly received at the airport by UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and accorded a ceremonial welcome.

During extensive bilateral talks, Prime Minister Modi strongly condemned the recent attacks on the UAE and reiterated India’s solidarity with the leadership and people of the UAE. He also emphasized the importance of ensuring safe and uninterrupted navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, calling it vital for global energy and food security.

The two leaders reviewed the entire spectrum of India-UAE relations and expressed satisfaction over the growing Comprehensive Strategic Partnership covering energy, trade, investment, defence, fintech, infrastructure, education and cultural cooperation. Both sides also hailed the success of the India-UAE CEPA agreement, which has significantly boosted bilateral trade.

Major Energy Agreements Signed

The leaders welcomed deeper cooperation in the energy sector, with the UAE continuing as a key partner in India’s energy security through crude oil, LNG and LPG supplies.

A major Strategic Collaboration Agreement was signed between Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserves Limited and Abu Dhabi National Oil Company to enhance UAE participation in India’s strategic petroleum reserves up to 30 million barrels. The two sides also agreed to work jointly on establishing strategic gas reserves in India.

Additionally, Indian Oil Corporation and Abu Dhabi National Oil Company signed an arrangement for long-term LPG supplies.

UAE Announces USD 5 Billion Investment in India

The visit also saw the announcement of nearly USD 5 billion in UAE investments into India, including:

• USD 3 billion investment by Emirates NBD in RBL Bank
• USD 1 billion investment by Abu Dhabi Investment Authority with National Infrastructure & Investment Fund for infrastructure projects
• USD 1 billion investment by International Holding Company in Sammaan Capital

Officials said these investments reflect the UAE’s long-term confidence in India’s growth story.

Defence Partnership Gets Major Boost

India and the UAE also signed a Framework for Strategic Defence Partnership aimed at strengthening cooperation in defence manufacturing, advanced technology, cyber security, maritime security, military training and secure communications.

Among other agreements signed during the visit were:

• MoU between Cochin Shipyard Limited and Drydocks World for a ship repair cluster at Vadinar
• Tripartite maritime skill development agreement involving Cochin Shipyard Limited, Drydocks World and CEMS
• Agreement between CDAC and G42 for setting up an 8 Exaflop Super Compute Cluster

The two leaders also welcomed the operationalisation of the Virtual Trade Corridor using MAITRI, a digital framework expected to reduce cargo transit time and streamline trade between the two nations.

Prime Minister Modi thanked President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for the warm hospitality and invited him to visit India soon.