Energy, defence ties get a boost as Modi meets UAE president
India and the UAE sought to boost their energy, defense shipping and technology ties by signing 6 MoUs and announcing $5 billion in investment from the Arab country in India, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi held bilateral talks with President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan during a brief stopover in Abu Dhabi on his way to Europe. Modi reiterated India’s strong condemnation of the UAE attack without naming Iran, as he said the way the Gulf state was targeted was unacceptable. “India stands shoulder to shoulder with the UAE in all circumstances and will continue to do so in the future,” the prime minister said, while extending all possible support for speedy restoration of peace.While one agreement will allow Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) to potentially increase its crude storage in India to 30 million barrels, another MoU is expected to facilitate a long-term LPG sales and purchase agreement between the 2 countries. A framework for strategic defense partnership with a focus on defense industry cooperation, innovation and advanced technology, training and exercises was also signed. According to an Indian readout, Modi also conveyed India’s clear position to ensure safe transit passage and uninterrupted navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, which is critical for lasting peace and stability as well as energy and food security. Modi left for the United Arab Emirates in the morning, as the BRICS foreign ministers’ meeting was still underway here and amid efforts by member states to bridge the gap between Abu Dhabi and Tehran over the West Asian conflict. These differences ultimately led to the meeting ending without a joint statement, and Iran blamed Abu Dhabi for the impasse. Reciprocating Modi’s gesture during his visit to India in January this year, the UAE president also welcomed the prime minister at the airport. UAE F16 jets escorted Modi’s plane to the airport. This was Modi’s eighth visit to the UAE as President. According to an Indian readout, the leaders welcomed the announcement of $5 billion investment in India by UAE firms. “These include Emirates NBD’s $3 billion in India’s RBL Bank, $1 billion in priority infrastructure projects in India by Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) along with India’s National Infrastructure and Investment Fund (NIIF), and International Holding Company’s $1 billion in investments,” added these investments in India under Samman Capital. UAE’s sustained and long-term commitment to India’s growth story while strengthening the bilateral strategic investment partnership. Referring to the president as his brother, the prime minister said in a post on X that his visit to the UAE was short, but extraordinarily fruitful. “And I am sure that the outcome of this visit will strengthen the bonds of friendship between us and contribute to achieving growth and prosperity,” he said. Two more MoUs were signed for cooperation in ship repair, to enhance the capacity of the Indian maritime workforce and position India as a hub for skilled shipbuilding and ship repair professionals. Another MoU was intended to facilitate cooperation in setting up supercomputing clusters as part of AI Mission India.
