DUBAI (Web Desk) - India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Friday agreed on the framework for a strategic defence partnership during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the Gulf nation, as both countries moved to deepen cooperation amid regional tensions linked to the Iran conflict.
According to a statement issued by the Indian foreign ministry, the two sides also signed agreements related to strategic petroleum reserves and the supply of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).
Under the defence partnership framework, India and the UAE agreed to enhance cooperation in defence manufacturing, innovation and advanced technology, joint training exercises, maritime security, cyber defence, secure communications and information sharing.
Ahead of Modi’s visit, Indian officials had indicated that New Delhi was expected to discuss long-term energy supply arrangements and seek support for expanding India’s strategic oil reserves.
The UAE’s recent decision to leave the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) is expected to increase its oil production capacity, potentially benefiting major energy importers such as India.
Regional energy markets have remained under pressure due to the ongoing US and Israeli conflict with Iran, which disrupted oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz — a key route handling nearly 20 per cent of global oil trade.
The conflict also affected transportation and business activities across the Gulf after Iranian strikes targeted several Gulf states, including the UAE, before a fragile ceasefire was reached last month.
Earlier in January, India and the UAE signed a $3 billion agreement for the supply of liquefied natural gas (LNG) to India, alongside a letter of intent aimed at establishing a strategic defence partnership.
The Indian foreign ministry also announced UAE investments worth $5 billion, highlighting major deals including Emirates NBD’s acquisition of a 60 per cent stake in Ratnakar Bank Limited for $3 billion and Abu Dhabi-based International Holding Company’s $1 billion investment in Sammaan Capital.