Abu Dhabi, May 15, 2026 — In a focused diplomatic stopover, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan formalized a set of agreements to deepen the India–UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and bolster regional security amid the West Asian crisis.
Leaders held wide-ranging talks; Modi described the UAE president as a close partner and condemned recent strikes on the Gulf nation, while praising the UAE’s restraint during tensions involving US and Iranian forces. India’s foreign ministry, represented by spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, summarized the visit’s key outcomes.
Energy and strategic petroleum reserves
A headline outcome is a Strategic Collaboration Agreement between Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) and Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserves Limited (ISPRL). The pact is intended to strengthen India’s energy security and increase petroleum stockpiles at a time when disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz have contributed to domestic LPG shortages.
Defence and industrial cooperation
Both countries signed a framework for a strategic defence partnership to accelerate defence-industrial collaboration, innovation, and technology sharing aimed at enhancing national and regional security.
Infrastructure and skills
The leaders approved creation of a Ship Repair Cluster at Vadinar, Gujarat, together with a dedicated skill-development program for ship repair technicians. The initiative is designed to expand coastal infrastructure, support the Make in India agenda, and create jobs.
Digital and AI collaboration
To support India’s artificial intelligence ambitions, the UAE will back the establishment of a supercomputer cluster. The agreement includes a reported USD 5 billion investment commitment from the UAE intended to spur employment and market development.
Outlook
As he departed, PM Modi expressed optimism about the partnership’s trajectory, saying the visit’s outcomes will deepen bilateral relations and contribute to mutual growth and prosperity.
