Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the United Arab Emirates on May 15 produced a series of defence, energy and economic agreements and fresh investment commitments.
Officials said India and the UAE signed a framework agreement to deepen their Strategic Defence Partnership, broadening cooperation on security and strategic ties. Energy cooperation was strengthened with a Memorandum of Understanding on Strategic Petroleum Reserves and a separate agreement on supplies of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).
In the maritime sector, the two sides agreed on a memorandum of understanding to establish a ship-repair cluster at Vadinar. In a major financial announcement, Emirati investors committed around USD 5 billion for Indian infrastructure projects and stakes involving RBL Bank and Samman Capital.
Prime Minister Modi held delegation-level talks with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan during the visit; he was received in Abu Dhabi with a ceremonial guard of honour. The meetings were described as reinforcing the expanding bilateral partnership across security, energy and finance.
The UAE stop was the first leg of a five-nation tour from May 15–20 that also includes the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway and Italy. The broader visit is aimed at strengthening India’s strategic links on trade, technology, energy, innovation and green growth while deepening engagement with Europe and the Gulf.
In the Netherlands (May 15–17) Modi is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Rob Jetten and King Willem‑Alexander and Queen Máxima, with discussions expected to focus on semiconductors, green hydrogen, innovation, defence and water management. In Sweden (May 17–18) he will hold talks with Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and take part in a joint engagement at the European Round Table for Industry alongside European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, with agendas including artificial intelligence, emerging technologies, the green transition and resilient supply chains.
The itinerary continues to Oslo on May 19, where Modi will attend the 3rd India‑Nordic Summit and hold bilateral talks with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre; leaders from Denmark, Finland, Iceland and Sweden will also participate. Subsequent visits will further pursue cooperation across trade, technology and sustainable growth.
