Abu Dhabi, UAE - Prime Minister Narendra Modi's brief sojourn in the United Arab Emirates has yielded a string of significant agreements, cementing a strategic and economic partnership even as regional tensions cast a long shadow. The visit, the first stop on a broader five-nation tour, saw the signing of accords spanning defense, energy security, and substantial investment pledges from the UAE into India.
A cornerstone of the visit was the signing of an Agreement on Framework for the Strategic Defence Partnership, aiming to bolster bilateral defense and security cooperation between the two nations. This move signals a deepening military alignment. Alongside this, memorandums of understanding were exchanged concerning strategic petroleum reserves and the supply of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), underscoring a focus on energy security. Furthermore, a pact to establish a Ship Repair Cluster at Vadinar was inked. The UAE committed to an investment package totaling USD 5 billion in India, signalling considerable economic confidence.
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Prime Minister Modi, during his talks with UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, strongly condemned recent attacks targeting the UAE, deeming them "not acceptable." He also articulated that the "impact of West Asia conflict is being felt globally." Modi stated India's readiness to "extend all possible support for peace in West Asia" and pledged to stand "shoulder-to-shoulder" with the UAE.
The reception for Prime Minister Modi was marked by notable diplomatic gestures. He was personally welcomed at Abu Dhabi airport by President Al Nahyan and was accorded a guard of honour. Upon entering Emirati airspace, his aircraft was escorted by UAE F-16 fighter jets.
Modi expressed gratitude to the UAE President for elevating bilateral relations, noting that India-UAE cooperation has gained "greater significance in the current global environment." The visit, though short, has been characterized by sources as yielding substantial gains for India in strategic, economic, and energy security spheres.
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The Prime Minister's tour is slated to continue through the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, and Italy, with the Netherlands leg reportedly focusing on semiconductors, innovation, and emerging technologies.
