India and UAE Strengthen Defence and Energy Partnership During PM Modi’s Abu Dhabi Visit
India and the United Arab Emirates have taken major steps to deepen their strategic relationship, with both countries agreeing on a new framework for defence cooperation and signing important energy deals during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Abu Dhabi.
During the visit, PM Modi held talks with UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan as the two nations explored ways to strengthen ties amid ongoing instability in West Asia caused by the Iran conflict.
According to India’s foreign ministry, both sides agreed to expand cooperation in defence manufacturing, advanced technology, maritime security, cyber defence, military training, joint exercises, and secure information sharing.
India and the UAE also signed key agreements related to energy security, including partnerships on strategic petroleum reserves and the supply of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).
UAE energy giant Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) announced that the agreement could allow the storage of up to 30 million barrels of UAE crude oil in India. The deal also includes discussions on storing crude oil in Fujairah in the UAE as part of India’s strategic reserve plans.
The energy partnership comes at a crucial time as the ongoing Iran war and disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz have affected global oil markets and raised concerns over energy supplies across the region.
ADNOC also said it would explore expanding LPG trade opportunities with Indian Oil Corporation to support India’s growing energy demand.
Calling India one of the world’s fastest-growing energy markets, ADNOC CEO Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber highlighted the importance of stronger UAE-India energy cooperation in the coming years.
The visit also carries geopolitical significance as India watches growing defence ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. Pakistan has recently played a major diplomatic role in efforts to ease tensions between the United States and Iran.
India and the UAE have steadily expanded their relationship in recent years, with cooperation now spanning trade, energy, infrastructure, defence, and technology sectors.
News source: Information for this article was gathered from a variety of reliable news outlets.
