International
oi-Gaurav Sharma
India and the United Arab Emirates have moved to further strengthen their long-standing strategic partnership with a fresh set of agreements focused on energy security, trade stability and regional cooperation. During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Abu Dhabi, both countries announced major steps aimed at protecting energy supplies and deepening economic ties at a time of growing uncertainty in West Asia.
At the centre of the discussions was a landmark agreement that will allow the UAE to store up to 30 million barrels of crude oil in India’s Strategic Petroleum Reserve. The deal, signed between Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserves Limited and Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, is expected to boost India’s energy preparedness while also reinforcing the UAE’s role as a trusted energy partner.
During PM Modi’s visit, India and the UAE strengthened their strategic partnership with agreements for UAE crude oil storage in India’s SPR and expanded gas/LPG cooperation, alongside a $5 billion UAE investment, boosting energy security and trade stability.
The talks between Prime Minister Modi and UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan also focused heavily on ensuring stability in global energy markets. Both leaders stressed the importance of secure maritime routes and uninterrupted movement through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical oil shipping lanes, amid rising regional tensions.
Beyond crude oil storage, India and the UAE agreed to expand cooperation in natural gas and LPG supplies. The two sides discussed plans for strategic gas reserves in India and welcomed a long-term LPG supply arrangement between Indian Oil Corporation and ADNOC. These initiatives are aimed at ensuring reliable fuel availability for Indian consumers and industries despite fluctuations in global markets.
The visit also highlighted the growing economic and strategic partnership between the two nations. The UAE announced investment commitments worth USD 5 billion in sectors including banking, infrastructure and finance, underlining confidence in India’s economic growth story. In addition, both countries signed new agreements covering defence cooperation, maritime security, shipbuilding and advanced technologies.
Officials described the outcomes of the visit as a reflection of the deep trust between India and the UAE and their shared commitment to regional stability, secure trade corridors and long-term economic cooperation. As geopolitical uncertainties continue to impact global supply chains, both nations are looking to build a more resilient partnership centred on energy security, investment and strategic collaboration.
