PM Modi's UAE Visit: Defence, LPG and Strategic Petroleum Reserve Deals Signed; UAE Announces $5 Bn Investment

India and the United Arab Emirates signed a set of new agreements on defence, energy and infrastructure during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's brief visit, while the UAE separately announced plans to invest $5 billion in Indian infrastructure projects and financial institutions, signalling a further deepening of economic and strategic ties between the two partners.

PM Modi in UAE: India-UAE Sign Pacts on LPG, Strategic Petroleum Reserves and Defence;

The agreements were exchanged in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The meeting in Abu Dhabi formed the opening leg of Modi's five-nation tour from May 15-20, which focuses on strengthening cooperation with partners in the Gulf region and Europe across several key sectors.

India-UAE defence and energy agreements deepen strategic partnership

Among the most significant decisions was approval of a framework for a strategic defence partnership. The new framework highlights expanding military and security cooperation between India and the UAE, building on existing defence exchanges and joint exercises, and is expected to support closer coordination on regional security challenges of shared concern.

The two governments also signed a memorandum of understanding on strategic petroleum reserves and agreed on supplies of liquefied petroleum gas. These steps strengthen India's energy security while tying New Delhi more closely to a major Gulf energy supplier, and they underline the importance both sides place on reliable and predictable energy flows.

India-UAE infrastructure, ship repair and investment agreements

Infrastructure cooperation received a boost as an MoU was concluded to develop a ship repair cluster at Vadinar in Gujarat. The proposed facility is intended to support maritime infrastructure, attract related industries and expand industrial cooperation, linking Indian port development plans with UAE expertise and capital in shipping and logistics.

UAE Announces $5 Billion Investment in India

Alongside the agreements, the UAE announced investments worth $5 billion in Indian infrastructure and in the financial sector, specifically in RBL Bank and Samman Capital. The proposed funding is aimed at strengthening Indian transport and energy assets while also deepening UAE participation in India's domestic banking and financial services space.

India-UAE dialogue on regional tensions and West Asia conflict

During talks with Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Modi emphasised the value of "dialogue and diplomacy" for easing regional tensions and praised the UAE president for showing "remarkable patience in a difficult situation." Modi condemned recent attacks on UAE territory and reiterated that India "stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the UAE."

Modi thanked the UAE leadership for treating the large Indian community in the country "like family," underlining the strong people-to-people links that support the broader relationship. Modi also voiced concern about the ongoing conflict in West Asia and repeated that dialogue and diplomacy were essential to reduce tensions affecting the region and beyond.

Speaking about the wider implications of the conflict, Modi said, "The impact of war in the West Asia region is seen across the world today. India has always given importance to dialogue and diplomacy for resolving issues," while stressing that the Strait of Hormuz must remain "free and open" and that all parties should respect international law.

Reaffirming political support for Abu Dhabi, Modi added that "India stands shoulder-to-shoulder with UAE in every situation, and it will continue to do so." Modi also stated that India was ready to extend "all possible cooperation" to back efforts for restoring peace and stability in West Asia and protecting vital trade routes.

The UAE stop launched Modi's broader tour aimed at deepening India's strategic engagement with Europe and the Gulf on trade, technology, energy, innovation and green growth. After Abu Dhabi, Modi will travel to the Netherlands for talks with Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten and meetings with King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima.

Through the UAE visit and the wider Europe and Nordic engagements, India aims to advance cooperation on defence, energy security, infrastructure, technology and climate-related issues. The agreements and political messages delivered in Abu Dhabi set the tone for a tour designed to consolidate India's ties with key partners across West Asia and Europe.