Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India is expected to make a brief visit to the United Arab Emirates in late May 2024 [1].
The trip comes as India seeks to protect its energy security against global supply disruptions caused by ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and West Asia [1].
"Modi will seek to secure long‑term fuel supplies from the UAE," a senior Indian government source said, MSN reported [2]. The visit is anticipated to be short, with one unnamed source saying the trip will last only a few hours [3].
The Prime Minister's itinerary is part of a larger diplomatic tour. While reports on the total number of countries visited vary between four [1] and five [2], the UAE remains a primary stop for energy discussions.
Officials from the Ministry of External Affairs said that energy security and strategic petroleum reserves will be on the agenda [1]. The diplomatic push is expected to result in the signing of two specific petroleum agreements focusing on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), and strategic petroleum reserves [4].
The visit is reportedly scheduled for Friday, May 31, 2024 [3]. The meetings are likely to take place in either Abu Dhabi or Dubai [2].
India continues to diversify its energy imports to mitigate the risk of price volatility. By securing long-term contracts with the UAE, India aims to stabilize its internal fuel markets—a critical component of its broader economic strategy.
“"Modi will seek to secure long‑term fuel supplies from the UAE,"”
This visit signals India's strategic pivot toward the Gulf to hedge against geopolitical instability in Europe and West Asia. By formalizing agreements on LPG and strategic reserves, India is moving from spot-market reliance toward long-term energy guarantees to prevent domestic inflation and power shortages.
