India and the United Arab Emirates formalized a strategic defense partnership on May 15 in Abu Dhabi, including cooperation on defense innovation, training, maritime security, cyber defense, and secure communications [1, 2, 3, 4]. The countries also agreed on joint efforts to expand strategic reserves of crude oil and natural gas. Plans include increasing crude oil storage in India to 30 million barrels and possible oil storage facilities in Fujairah, UAE [5, 2, 3].

During the visit, the UAE announced up to $5 billion in investments in India to deepen economic ties [2, 6, 3, 4]. India and the UAE aim to double bilateral trade, which recently surpassed $100 billion, to $200 billion in the coming years [6, 7]. India is also exploring long-term LPG imports from the UAE to cover about 40% of its domestic LPG needs [6, 7].

Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned Iranian drone and missile attacks on UAE facilities, including the port of Fujairah, during a meeting with the UAE president. Modi said he renewed his emphasis "on our condemnation of the attacks that targeted the United Arab Emirates in the strongest terms" [1, 2, 3, 4]. He described the UAE as his "second home," underscoring close ties [8]. Modi also stressed, "Keeping Hormuz free, open and safe is our highest priority, and in this matter adherence to international laws is essential," highlighting energy security concerns amid Middle East tensions [8].

Modi’s stop in Abu Dhabi marked the first leg in a six-day multi-nation tour covering the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, and Italy focused on securing India’s energy supplies and strengthening strategic and economic partnerships [9, 10, 11, 8]. Anil Wadhwa, a retired Indian ambassador, said the Nordic visits are "strategically timed to position the country as a trusted economic, technological and clean energy partner" [10].

Around 4.3 to 4.5 million Indians live and work in the UAE, marking a significant demographic link between the countries [2, 11, 8]. The new agreements aim to expand the India-UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, with Modi noting "The meeting concluded in key agreements across vital areas, including energy and defense, giving fresh impetus" to their ties [3].

Modi’s tour continues through May 20 with stops in European countries to reinforce energy security and economic cooperation.