Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan signed strategic defence and energy agreements in Abu Dhabi on Friday.

The deals strengthen ties between the two nations as India seeks to secure energy supplies and enhance maritime security amid regional tensions. This diplomatic push occurs during Modi's broader tour of Europe and the Gulf this month.

The leaders established a strategic defence partnership to increase military cooperation. Alongside security measures, the two countries signed long-term liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) supply agreements and petroleum reserve deals to stabilize India's energy imports.

Financial cooperation also featured prominently in the summit. The UAE said it will invest approximately $5 billion [1] in Indian infrastructure projects.

These agreements aim to deepen the strategic partnership between India and the UAE. By focusing on energy and defence, both nations are attempting to create a more resilient economic corridor, a move that aligns with India's goals for infrastructure growth and energy security.

While Reuters reported the signing of these agreements on May 15, 2026, other reports from the Times of India suggested discussions regarding a potential visit were still ongoing. However, the official announcements from the summit in Abu Dhabi confirm the execution of the pacts.

“India and the UAE signed a strategic defence partnership and long-term LPG supply agreements.”

The scale of the investment and the focus on petroleum reserves indicate a shift toward a more integrated economic and security architecture in the Gulf. By securing long-term energy contracts and defence pacts, India is diversifying its strategic dependencies and strengthening its presence in a volatile region, while the UAE solidifies its role as a primary financial partner for India's domestic infrastructure expansion.