India, UAE Sign Major Defence, Energy and Investment Agreements During PM Modi’s Visit

New Delhi, May 2026 : India and the United Arab Emirates on Friday signed a series of major agreements covering defence cooperation, energy security, infrastructure investment and maritime development during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official visit to Abu Dhabi.

Among the key outcomes of the visit was the signing of a framework agreement for a bilateral strategic defence partnership, reflecting the growing security cooperation between the two countries amid evolving geopolitical challenges in West Asia.

The two nations also concluded agreements related to the supply of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and the expansion of strategic petroleum reserves, strengthening India’s long-term energy security framework.

In a significant economic announcement, the UAE committed investments worth 5 billion US dollars in Indian infrastructure projects, as well as in RBL Bank and Samman Capital. The move is expected to deepen financial and investment ties between the two countries, which have steadily expanded under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

An agreement was also signed for the establishment of a ship repair cluster at Vadinar in Gujarat, aimed at boosting India’s maritime infrastructure and supporting regional shipping and logistics operations.

During delegation-level talks with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Prime Minister Modi reaffirmed India’s support for the UAE and stressed the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the region.

“India stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the UAE in every situation, and it will continue to do so. For the restoration of peace and stability, India will extend all possible cooperation,” PM Modi said.

The Prime Minister also highlighted the strategic importance of keeping the Strait of Hormuz open and secure for global trade and energy movement.

“It is important that the Strait of Hormuz remains free and open. International laws must be respected,” he said.

PM Modi thanked UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for strengthening bilateral ties and said the India-UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership had gained greater importance in the current global environment.

He recalled that during the UAE President’s visit to India in January, both sides had agreed to elevate the relationship further and noted that substantial progress had already been achieved in a short period.

“I extend heartfelt gratitude to you for taking our comprehensive strategic partnership to new heights. During your visit to India in January, we agreed to qualitatively upgrade our relations. Even in such a small duration, we have made significant progress in all matters,” PM Modi said.

He added that India and the UAE would continue working together across sectors including defence, trade, energy and technology.

The Prime Minister also observed that the ongoing tensions in West Asia were having global repercussions and reiterated India’s belief that dialogue and diplomacy remained the best path for conflict resolution.

Prime Minister Modi arrived in the UAE earlier in the day and was accorded a ceremonial welcome before holding bilateral discussions with President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, popularly known as MBZ.

The UAE visit marks the first leg of PM Modi’s five-nation tour from May 15 to 20, which also includes visits to the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway and Italy. The tour is focused on strengthening India’s strategic and economic partnerships in areas such as energy, defence, technology, trade and green transition.

Team Maverick.