India-UAE agreements cover defence, energy, LPG supply and shipping with USD 5 billion pledge

India and the UAE on Friday signed six agreements across energy, defence, shipping, and technology. Abu Dhabi also committed USD 5 billion in investments for India. The deals followed talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The meeting took place as the West Asia conflict raised concerns about fuel shipments.

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The conflict has increased worries in India about crude oil and gas flows through the Strait of Hormuz. This route is vital for India’s energy imports. The agreements were linked to steps to protect supplies. Officials also noted disruptions linked to the US-Israels war on Iran, which began on February 28.

India-UAE agreements on energy security and LPG supply

Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserves Limited and Abu Dhabi National Oil Company signed a strategic collaboration agreement. The deal aimed to strengthen India’s energy security. It covered petroleum reserves and possible work on liquid natural gas and liquefied petroleum gas LPG storage. It will raise the UAE’s participation in India’s reserves to 30 million barrels.

Indian Oil Limited Company and Abu Dhabi National Oil Company also signed a separate LPG pact. It will open options for sale and purchase of LPG. It included long-term supply and a long-term sale-and-purchase agreement. Another strategic collaboration pact on LPG was signed. It is meant to support steady supplies of cooking fuel in India.

India-UAE agreements on defence partnership and security cooperation

One pact created a framework for a strategic defence partnership. It focused on defence industrial work, technology sharing, innovation, and regional security cooperation. The two countries are set to explore joint development of military hardware. An official statement also listed training, exercises, maritime security, cyber defence, secure communications, and information exchange.

The two leaders also discussed the West Asia crisis during the visit. "We condemn the attacks on the UAE,\" Modi said in opening remarks. Modi added that the way UAE has been targeted is not acceptable. The UAE has faced Iranian strikes since the conflict began on February 28.

India-UAE agreements on shipping, ports and coastal infrastructure

Several deals focused on shipping and coastal projects. Plans included a ship repair centre at Vadinar in Gujarat. The two sides also agreed on cooperation for ports and coastal infrastructure. Another arrangement covered skill development for ship repair work. Cochin Shipyard Limited also signed an agreement with Drydocks World of Dubai.

India and the UAE also backed a virtual trade corridor linking customs and port authorities. The MEA said it aims to streamline cargo movement. It is expected to cut logistics costs and reduce transit time. Misri said it would improve customs coordination and cargo efficiency. Misri also said it could help supply chain resilience.

India-UAE agreements on investments and infrastructure

Abu Dhabi pledged investments totalling USD 5 billion in India. The MEA said this included plans by Abu Dhabi Investment Authority and India’s National Infrastructure and Investment Fund. They will explore investments of up to USD 1 billion in India’s infrastructure sector. Emirates NBD will invest USD 3 billion in RBL Bank.

The MEA said UAE-based International Holding Company will invest USD 1 billion in Sammaan Capital of India. The ministry said the investment plan aimed to build stronger markets and create jobs. India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said the UAE is the seventh-largest investor in India over 25 years. The UAE has long been a key investment partner.

India-UAE agreements on advanced technology and super-computing

The two sides also signed a term sheet to set up a super-computing cluster. The aim is to improve India’s artificial intelligence and high-performance computing capacity. \"This will add to Indias AI mission and the infrastructure involved with that,\" Misri said. Officials described it as part of broader cooperation in advanced technology.

Modi described the signed agreements as important for energy, defense, infrastructure, shipping, and advanced technologies. Modi said the outcomes will provide a fresh boost to the partnership. Modi said the visit to the UAE was brief, yet extraordinarily fruitful. Modi said the outcomes will further solidify the bonds of friendship between us, and contribute to achieving growth and prosperity.

Al Nahyan personally received Modi at the Abu Dhabi airport. Modi was given a ceremonial guard of honour. UAE military jets escorted Modi’s aircraft as a special gesture. The MEA said it was Modi’s eighth visit to the UAE in 12 years. Modi later departed for the Netherlands on the next leg of the tour.

\"Concluding a short but highly productive visit to the UAE, Modi said before leaving. Held extensive discussions with my brother, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, on ways to further deepen the India-UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.\"

The stopover was the first leg of Modi’s five-nation tour. The tour also included the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, and Italy. The visit came as Gulf powers differed on oil production, a Strait of Hormuz blockade, and regional alignments involving Israel and Iran. Officials said these shifts added complexity to India’s West Asia calculations.

With inputs from PTI