Abu Dhabi 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Friday formalised a series of strategic agreements aimed at deepening the India-UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, with a strong focus on regional security, energy resilience and technological cooperation amid the ongoing West Asia crisis.

During his brief but significant visit to Abu Dhabi, Modi held wide-ranging talks with the UAE President, referring to him as his “brother,” while also condemning recent attacks on the Gulf nation and praising the UAE’s restraint during the conflict involving the United States and Iran.

According to Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, one of the key outcomes of the visit was a Strategic Collaboration Agreement between Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) and Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserves Limited (ISPRL). The agreement is intended to strengthen India’s energy security and expand petroleum reserves at a time when disruptions linked to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz have affected regional energy supplies.

The two countries also signed a framework agreement on strategic defence cooperation aimed at strengthening defence industrial collaboration, accelerating innovation and facilitating technology sharing to enhance national and regional security.

On the infrastructure front, India and the UAE approved the establishment of a ship repair cluster at Vadinar in Gujarat, alongside a dedicated skill development initiative for ship repair activities. The project is expected to strengthen coastal infrastructure and support the government’s “Make in India” programme.

In the digital and technology sector, both sides agreed to establish a supercomputer cluster to support India’s artificial intelligence ambitions. The initiative is backed by a reported USD 5 billion investment commitment from the UAE, which is expected to create jobs and expand technology-driven markets.

Following the discussions, Modi expressed confidence in the future of bilateral ties.

READ MORE: Naima Khatoon, AMU's first woman VC is injecting dynamism in varsity's culture

“Held extensive discussions with my brother, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, on ways to further deepen the India-UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. I am confident that the outcomes of this visit will further strengthen our friendship and contribute to growth and prosperity,” the Prime Minister said.