India and the United Arab Emirates signed several bilateral agreements on defence and energy during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's official visit to Abu Dhabi [1].
These agreements aim to secure India's energy supply and strengthen military ties amid ongoing regional tensions in West Asia [2]. The partnership focuses on diversifying energy sources and enhancing strategic security for both nations.
During the visit on May 15, 2024, Prime Minister Modi met with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan [1]. The two leaders finalized a framework for a strategic defence partnership to expand military cooperation [3].
In addition to security, the nations signed deals regarding oil reserves and the supply of liquefied natural gas (LNG) [3]. These energy agreements are designed to stabilize fuel imports and deepen economic ties between the two countries [2].
Reports said the two nations signed seven agreements spanning defence, energy, and investment [4]. These deals are associated with a $5 billion monetary boost [5].
Prime Minister Modi's visit underscores a broader effort to integrate economic interests with security frameworks in the region [2]. The agreements cover broader investment cooperation to facilitate trade growth, and infrastructure development [3].
“India and the UAE signed seven agreements spanning defence, energy, and investment”
The strengthening of ties between India and the UAE reflects a strategic shift toward securing critical energy corridors and military interoperability. By formalizing oil reserve and LNG agreements, India reduces its vulnerability to supply chain disruptions in West Asia, while the defence partnership signals a deeper security alignment between New Delhi and Abu Dhabi.
