New Delhi: India and the UAE on Friday signed a slew of agreements to bolster defence, energy and infrastructure ties during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's brief visit to the Gulf nation aimed at increasing New Delhi's strategic footprints in the region amid the crisis. Modi was received at the airport by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE. The two leaders held detailed discussions, during which the PM reaffirmed India's strong condemnation of the attacks on the UAE, and its solidarity with the leadership and people of the UAE.
He also conveyed India's clear position in favour of ensuring a safe transit passage and unimpeded navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, which is vital for enduring regional peace and stability, as well as energy and food security, an official said.
Modi stressed the importance of "dialogue and diplomacy" in resolving regional tensions and praised the UAE president for showing "remarkable patience in a difficult situation". The leaders agreed to promote new initiatives for a comprehensive energy partnership. The two sides concluded the Strategic Collaboration Agreement between Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserves Limited and Abu Dhabi National Oil Company to enhance UAE's participation in India's Strategic Petroleum Reserves to 30 million barrels, and work together to set up strategic gas reserves in India. An arrangement was also entered into between Indian Oil Limited Company and ADNOC on long-term LPG supplies. A framework for the Strategic Defence Partnership (SDP) between the two countries was signed. Under this, the two sides have agreed on deepening defence industrial collaboration and cooperation on innovation and advanced technology, training, exercises, maritime security, cyber defence, secure communication and information exchange.
"PM Modi's visit to the UAE, coming just months after the UAE President's visit to India, reflects the extraordinary depth, continuity and momentum of the India-UAE partnership. At a time of shifting geopolitical alignments and economic uncertainty, the agreements announced highlight how the partnership is evolving into a key pillar of regional and global stability. Built on deep ties and shared ambition, this partnership will continue to unlock new opportunities for growth, connectivity and shared prosperity, an ecosystem that organisations like VFS Global actively support by enabling seamless global mobility and people-to-people connections," Zubin Karkaria, founder and CEO of Dubai-based VFS Global told ET.
The two leaders welcomed the announcement of $5 billion in investment into India by UAE entities. The UAE visit marks the beginning of Modi's five-nation tour from May 15-20. After Abu Dhabi, Modi will travel to the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway and Italy.
He also conveyed India's clear position in favour of ensuring a safe transit passage and unimpeded navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, which is vital for enduring regional peace and stability, as well as energy and food security, an official said.
Modi stressed the importance of "dialogue and diplomacy" in resolving regional tensions and praised the UAE president for showing "remarkable patience in a difficult situation". The leaders agreed to promote new initiatives for a comprehensive energy partnership. The two sides concluded the Strategic Collaboration Agreement between Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserves Limited and Abu Dhabi National Oil Company to enhance UAE's participation in India's Strategic Petroleum Reserves to 30 million barrels, and work together to set up strategic gas reserves in India. An arrangement was also entered into between Indian Oil Limited Company and ADNOC on long-term LPG supplies. A framework for the Strategic Defence Partnership (SDP) between the two countries was signed. Under this, the two sides have agreed on deepening defence industrial collaboration and cooperation on innovation and advanced technology, training, exercises, maritime security, cyber defence, secure communication and information exchange.
"PM Modi's visit to the UAE, coming just months after the UAE President's visit to India, reflects the extraordinary depth, continuity and momentum of the India-UAE partnership. At a time of shifting geopolitical alignments and economic uncertainty, the agreements announced highlight how the partnership is evolving into a key pillar of regional and global stability. Built on deep ties and shared ambition, this partnership will continue to unlock new opportunities for growth, connectivity and shared prosperity, an ecosystem that organisations like VFS Global actively support by enabling seamless global mobility and people-to-people connections," Zubin Karkaria, founder and CEO of Dubai-based VFS Global told ET.
The two leaders welcomed the announcement of $5 billion in investment into India by UAE entities. The UAE visit marks the beginning of Modi's five-nation tour from May 15-20. After Abu Dhabi, Modi will travel to the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway and Italy.
