By Staff Reporter
Key defence, energy and AI agreements signed as PM Modi begins global diplomatic tour
Narendra Modi began his six-day diplomatic tour with a high-profile visit to the United Arab Emirates, where he was warmly received in Abu Dhabi by Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
A formal state reception was held at the airport, complete with military honours, national anthems and an aerial escort by UAE fighter jets as Modi’s aircraft entered Emirati airspace.
UAE and India strengthen strategic cooperation
During delegation-level talks in Abu Dhabi, both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to expanding the UAE–India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and advancing the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
Discussions focused on enhancing cooperation in:
- Energy security
- Investment and trade
- Artificial intelligence and advanced technology
- Space cooperation
- Food security
- Maritime and supply chain stability
- Defence and regional security
Both sides also exchanged views on ongoing Middle East developments and the importance of maintaining regional peace, maritime security and stable global energy supplies.
Modi praises UAE support for Indians during regional tensions
Prime Minister Modi thanked the UAE leadership for ensuring the safety and welfare of the Indian community during the ongoing regional conflict in West Asia.
He also condemned attacks targeting the UAE, reiterating India’s support for peace, stability and dialogue in the region.
Calling the UAE his “second home,” Modi highlighted the close people-to-people ties between the two nations and praised the growing friendship between Abu Dhabi and New Delhi.
Major UAE–India agreements and MoUs exchanged
Several landmark agreements and memoranda of understanding (MoUs) were signed during the visit, covering strategic sectors including energy, defence, banking, infrastructure and technology.
Energy partnerships
- Strategic cooperation agreement between Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserves Limited and Abu Dhabi National Oil Company
- LPG supply agreement between Indian Oil Corporation Limited and ADNOC
Defence cooperation
- A new framework agreement on strategic defence partnership between the defence ministries of both countries
Artificial intelligence and supercomputing
- Partnership involving G42, Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence and India’s Centre for Development of Advanced Computing to establish an 8-exaflop supercomputing cluster in India
Maritime and shipbuilding cooperation
- Agreement between Cochin Shipyard Limited and Drydocks World to develop a ship repair cluster at Vadinar
- Additional partnership focused on ship-repair skills development
Billions in investment commitments announced
The visit also produced major investment announcements aimed at deepening financial and infrastructure ties between the two countries.
Key developments include:
- Emirates NBD acquiring a AED11.02 billion stake in RBL Bank
- Abu Dhabi Investment Authority expanding participation in India’s National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF)
- International Holding Company investing in Sammaan Capital
Modi describes UAE visit as “highly productive”
Concluding the visit, Modi said discussions with Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed were “highly productive” and expressed confidence that the agreements reached would strengthen bilateral friendship, economic growth and long-term prosperity for both nations.
He added that India and the UAE would continue working together to build “a better future for the planet” through cooperation in technology, trade and sustainable development.
