Key Takeaways:
- UAE committed $5 billion to Indian infrastructure, RBL Bank, and Samman Capital on Friday.
- PM Modi and Al Nahyan signed a strategic defence partnership and a Gujarat ship repair deal.
- Energy pacts secure strategic oil reserves and LPG supplies amid volatile global markets.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the United Arab Emirates on Friday resulted in defence and energy agreements, alongside a $5 billion investment commitment aimed at boosting India’s infrastructure, banking and strategic cooperation.
India, UAE Strengthen Defence Partnership
India and the UAE signed an agreement establishing a framework for a strategic defence partnership, expanding bilateral cooperation in the security and defence sectors.
The agreements were finalised during delegation-level talks between Modi and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi. Modi was accorded a ceremonial guard of honour upon arrival.
Officials said the defence framework is expected to deepen collaboration in military coordination, technology exchange and regional security initiatives.
PM Modi’s UAE visit forms part of his five-nation diplomatic tour aimed at strengthening India’s partnerships in Europe and the Gulf region through cooperation in trade, energy, technology and innovation.
Energy, Maritime Agreements Expand Cooperation
India and the UAE also signed a memorandum of understanding on strategic petroleum reserves and an agreement related to liquefied petroleum gas supplies.
The agreements are expected to strengthen India’s energy security and support long-term supply stability as global energy markets remain volatile.
In the maritime sector, the two countries signed an agreement to establish a ship repair cluster at Vadinar in Gujarat. Officials said the project is intended to improve maritime infrastructure and expand industrial cooperation between the two nations.
“The agreements reflect the growing strategic and economic partnership between India and the UAE,” Indian officials said following the talks.
UAE Announces $5 Billion Investment Commitment
PM Modi’s UAE Visit announced investments worth $5 billion in Indian infrastructure projects as well as in RBL Bank and Samman Capital, according to outcomes released after the meeting.
The investment commitment comes as India seeks greater foreign participation in infrastructure financing and financial services.
Following PM Modi’s UAE visit, he is scheduled to travel to the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway and Italy between May 15 and May 20.
In the Netherlands, Modi is expected to hold talks with Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten and meet King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima. Discussions are expected to focus on semiconductors, green hydrogen, defence and water management.
In Sweden, Modi will meet Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and participate in discussions on artificial intelligence, emerging technologies and resilient supply chains alongside European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
Modi will conclude the tour in Norway, where he is expected to attend the third India-Nordic Summit in Oslo and hold bilateral talks with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.
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