Narendra Modi and Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan announced a series of major defence and energy agreements during Modi’s official visit to the United Arab Emirates on Friday, further deepening strategic ties between the two countries amid growing instability in the Gulf region.
The agreements come as regional alliances continue shifting due to:
- the ongoing U.S.-Iran conflict
- disruption in Gulf energy supplies
- closure pressures around the Strait of Hormuz
- global oil market uncertainty
Strategic Defence Partnership Framework
The biggest announcement was a new framework for a strategic defence partnership between India and the UAE.
According to India’s foreign ministry, both countries agreed to expand cooperation in:
- defence manufacturing
- advanced military technology
- maritime security
- cyber defence
- secure communications
- military training and exercises
- intelligence and information sharing
The agreement reflects growing security cooperation between the two nations as Gulf tensions remain high.
Energy and Petroleum Deals
India and the UAE also signed agreements related to:
- strategic petroleum reserves
- long-term liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) supplies
- broader energy cooperation
India has been seeking stronger long-term energy security arrangements as the Middle East conflict continues to impact:
- crude oil prices
- fuel availability
- shipping costs
- aviation fuel supplies
The UAE’s recent decision to leave OPEC is also expected to increase its oil production capacity, potentially benefiting large importers like India.
UAE Investments in India
India’s foreign ministry also highlighted approximately $5 billion in UAE-linked investments connected to earlier agreements, including:
- Emirates NBD’s acquisition of a major stake in RBL Bank
- Abu Dhabi-based IHC investments in Indian companies
The visit reinforces the UAE’s growing role as one of India’s most important:
- energy partners
- investment sources
- strategic allies in the Gulf
Iran War Continues to Shape Regional Diplomacy
The visit took place against the backdrop of the continuing U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran, which has heavily disrupted Gulf trade and energy markets.
The war and tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz — through which nearly 20% of global oil passes — have pushed countries like India to strengthen:
- supply security
- strategic fuel reserves
- regional diplomatic ties
Analysts say India is increasingly balancing:
- its long-standing ties with Gulf Arab nations
- energy dependence
- regional security interests
- and broader geopolitical competition involving China and the United States.
Modi’s Wider Diplomatic Tour
The UAE stop is part of Modi’s broader five-nation diplomatic tour aimed at:
- strengthening economic partnerships
- securing energy supply chains
- expanding India’s geopolitical influence
- and building resilience against global supply disruptions.