During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), India and the UAE significantly deepened their strategic partnership, with a strong focus on expanding cooperation in the fields of defence and energy. The visit marked another milestone in the rapidly growing bilateral relationship between the two countries, which has evolved into a comprehensive strategic partnership over the past decade.
One of the key highlights of the discussions was enhanced defence cooperation. Both sides agreed to further strengthen military-to-military engagement through joint exercises, training programmes, and increased exchange of expertise. The two countries also explored opportunities for collaboration in defence manufacturing and technology sharing, reflecting a shared interest in boosting indigenous capabilities and reducing dependence on external suppliers.
In addition to defence ties, energy cooperation emerged as a central pillar of the talks. India and the UAE reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring stable and affordable energy supplies. The UAE, being one of India’s key suppliers of crude oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG), plays a crucial role in meeting India’s growing energy demands. Both sides discussed ways to expand cooperation in traditional energy sectors while also accelerating joint investments in renewable energy projects, including solar and green hydrogen initiatives.
The leaders also reviewed progress in ongoing investments and infrastructure projects, particularly in India’s energy sector, where UAE-based companies have shown increasing interest. These investments are expected to contribute to India’s long-term energy security and support its transition toward cleaner energy sources.
Beyond defence and energy, the discussions also covered broader areas of cooperation such as trade, technology, connectivity, and counter-terrorism. Both countries reiterated their shared commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the region and enhancing collaboration on global challenges.
Prime Minister Modi emphasized the deep historical and cultural ties between India and the UAE, noting that the Indian diaspora in the Gulf nation serves as a strong bridge between the two societies. UAE leadership, on the other hand, expressed appreciation for India’s growing global role and its contribution to regional stability and economic development.
The visit is being seen as a reaffirmation of the strong strategic alignment between New Delhi and Abu Dhabi. With both nations seeking to diversify their partnerships and strengthen economic resilience, the renewed focus on defence and energy cooperation is expected to open new avenues for long-term collaboration and mutual growth.