India and UAE Sign Major Agreements on Energy and Defense

India and the UAE have signed several important agreements focusing on energy security, LPG supply, and defense cooperation. These deals were finalized during high-level talks in Abu Dhabi between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The discussions took place amid ongoing tensions in West Asia.

One major agreement involves strategic petroleum reserves. India’s Strategic Petroleum Reserves Limited signed a deal with the UAE’s Abu Dhabi National Oil Company to boost energy security, including cooperation on oil storage and potential LNG and LPG facilities. This collaboration will increase UAE’s contribution to India’s strategic石油 reserves to 30 million barrels and establish strategic gas reserves in India.

The two countries also finalized a separate pact on LPG, ensuring a long-term supply of cooking fuel for India, where it is widely used.

Additionally, India and the UAE signed a framework for a strategic defense partnership. This focuses on military hardware development, technology sharing, innovation, and regional security cooperation. The agreement aims to strengthen ties in critical areas like defense industries and joint projects.

During their meetings, Modi and Al Nahyan discussed the West Asia crisis. Modi condemned recent attacks on the UAE and reiterated India’s support for its ally.

UAE has also committed $5 billion in investments in India as part of this partnership.