India and the United Arab Emirates signed a series of defence, energy, technology and investment agreements during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Abu Dhabi, in a move the UAE framed as part of a broader effort to expand its strategic partnership with New Delhi.
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Modi witnessed the exchange of agreements aimed at strengthening cooperation across key sectors, including energy security, defence, maritime services, artificial intelligence and investment, according to the UAE state news agency WAM.
The UAE readout placed the visit within the framework of the UAE-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, saying both leaders reviewed cooperation in the economy, investment, energy, space, food security, technology and artificial intelligence.
The two sides also discussed developments in the Middle East and their impact on regional security, maritime routes, energy supplies and the global economy, WAM reported. Modi also expressed India’s condemnation of attacks targeting civilians and infrastructure in the UAE, describing them as violations of sovereignty and international norms.
Among the agreements announced was a strategic collaboration deal between Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserves Limited and the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, as well as a separate ADNOC agreement with Indian Oil Corporation on long-term liquefied petroleum gas supplies.
The two countries also exchanged an agreement on a framework for a strategic defence partnership between the UAE and Indian defence ministries. The pact covers deeper cooperation in areas such as defence industry, training, maritime security, cyber defence and secure communications.
The UAE side also highlighted technology and infrastructure deals, including a term sheet involving G42, Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence and India’s Centre for Development of Advanced Computing to establish an 8-exaflop supercomputing cluster in India.
Maritime cooperation was another key part of the visit, with Cochin Shipyard Limited and DP World’s Drydocks World signing an agreement to set up a ship repair cluster at Vadinar, alongside a separate deal on skill development in ship repair.
Abu Dhabi also announced major investments in India, including Emirates NBD’s AED 11.02 billion investment to acquire a 60 percent stake in RBL Bank, an AED 3.67 billion investment by the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority in India’s National Investment and Infrastructure Fund, and an AED 3.67 billion investment by International Holding Company in Sammaan Capital.
The agreements underline the UAE’s growing role as a strategic energy, investment and technology partner for India, while New Delhi seeks to secure long-term Gulf energy supplies and deepen defence cooperation amid regional uncertainty.
