Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday visited the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as the first stop of his six-day, five-nation diplomatic tour, holding extensive talks with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi. The visit resulted in a series of major agreements focused on defence cooperation, energy security, infrastructure and investment, underlining the growing strategic partnership between the two nations.
PM Modi received a ceremonial welcome upon arrival in Abu Dhabi, including a Guard of Honour. In a symbolic gesture reflecting strong bilateral ties, UAE F-16 fighter jets escorted the Prime Minister’s aircraft as it entered Emirati airspace.
During delegation-level talks, India and the UAE signed several significant agreements. These included a Framework Agreement for Strategic Defence Partnership, an MoU on Strategic Petroleum Reserves, and a pact ensuring long-term Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) supplies to India. The two sides also agreed to establish a ship repair cluster at Vadinar in Gujarat, aimed at boosting maritime and logistics cooperation.
A major highlight of the visit was the UAE’s announcement of nearly $5 billion in investments in Indian infrastructure projects, along with investments in RBL Bank and Samman Capital. The agreements are expected to deepen economic engagement and enhance India’s energy security at a time of global uncertainty and tensions in West Asia.
Addressing the current geopolitical situation in West Asia, PM Modi strongly condemned recent attacks on the UAE and reaffirmed India’s solidarity with the Gulf nation. He stated that “India stands shoulder-to-shoulder with UAE in every situation” and stressed that dialogue and diplomacy remain the best path toward restoring peace and stability in the region. He also emphasized the importance of keeping the Strait of Hormuz “free and open” for global trade and energy supplies.
The Prime Minister thanked the UAE leadership for its support toward the Indian diaspora and appreciated Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for strengthening the India-UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Modi noted that bilateral cooperation between the two countries had gained even greater importance in the present global environment.
Following the UAE visit, PM Modi departed for the Netherlands as part of his broader diplomatic outreach covering Sweden, Norway and Italy.