Abu Dhabi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the United Arab Emirates has resulted in a major investment announcement of USD 5 billion (approximately Rs 42,000 crore), with the UAE committing investments in Indian infrastructure projects and the banking sector. During PM Modi’s meeting with UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the two countries signed important memorandums of understanding in the fields of defence, energy and trade, further strengthening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between New Delhi and Abu Dhabi.
The UAE investments will primarily be directed towards RBL Bank, Samman Capital and infrastructure development projects in India. Both countries also signed fresh agreements related to the supply of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and cooperation on the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, aimed at strengthening India’s long-term energy security. An additional Memorandum of Understanding was signed for establishing a ship repair cluster at Vadinar in Gujarat, expanding bilateral cooperation in maritime and industrial infrastructure.
Concern over West Asia conflict and Strait of Hormuz
During the discussions, PM Modi expressed concern over the wider global consequences arising from the ongoing conflict in West Asia and stressed the importance of keeping the Strait of Hormuz open and free for international trade and energy movement. The Prime Minister said India and the UAE would work “shoulder to shoulder” to maintain peace and stability in the region while adhering to international law.
PM Modi also described the warm reception accorded to him by the UAE President at Abu Dhabi airport as a gesture of “brotherly love”.
He expressed confidence that India-UAE relations would continue to scale new heights in strategic sectors such as energy, investment and supply chains.
Officials said the official defence partnership framework finalised during the visit would further strengthen military cooperation and strategic coordination between the two countries.
The UAE leg marks the beginning of PM Modi’s broader five-nation diplomatic tour. Following Abu Dhabi, the Prime Minister will travel to the Netherlands before heading to Sweden, where he is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson in Gothenburg. The two leaders will jointly address the European Round Table for Industry along with Ursula von der Leyen. PM Modi will then visit Norway for the 3rd India-Nordic Summit before concluding the final leg of his diplomatic outreach in Italy, where he is scheduled to meet President Sergio Mattarella and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
