PM Modi inks key energy deals in two-hour UAE visit amid fuel price surge

PM Narendra Modi’s visit to the UAE on Friday produced seven agreements as part of his brief stop in Abu Dhabi, where he was received by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and accorded a ceremonial welcome.

The visit formed the first leg of Modi’s five-nation tour, which also includes the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway and Italy.

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Deals span energy, defence, supercomputing and investment

The agreements covered a wide economic and strategic spread.

According to the Press Information Bureau, the two sides signed a strategic collaboration agreement between Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserves Limited and Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, an agreement on liquefied petroleum gas supply, and a framework agreement on a strategic defence partnership.

They also announced a proposed ship repair and maritime infrastructure cluster at Vadinar in Gujarat, an arrangement on skill development in ship repair, a plan to set up an eight-Exaflop supercomputer cluster with UAE firm G-42, and UAE commitments worth $5 billion in investments across Indian infrastructure and financial institutions.

India, UAE review energy ties

The MEA said before the visit that Modi would meet the UAE President and exchange views on bilateral relations, with a particular focus on energy cooperation as well as regional and international issues of mutual interest.

In its official note after the visit, the ministry said the two leaders held detailed discussions and that India reiterated its position on safe transit passage and unimpeded navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, which it described as vital for regional peace and energy security.

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Fighter jet escort adds colour to brief stopover

The visit also drew attention when netizens drooled over PM Modi’s aircraft being escorted by F-16 fighter jets upon entering UAE airspace.

BJP IT Cell head Amit Malviya called it “a reflection of the deep strategic partnership, trust, and personal warmth shared between the leadership of India and the UAE.”

The stopover lasted for about two hours before Modi moved on to the next leg of the tour. The visit further strengthens cooperation across energy security, defence, maritime infrastructure, artificial intelligence, supercomputing, investment and skill development between the two nations.