India and the United Arab Emirates signed several major agreements related to defence cooperation, energy security and infrastructure investment during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the UAE on Friday. The visit marked the beginning of Modi’s five-nation tour from May 15 to May 20, aimed at expanding India’s strategic partnerships with countries in Europe and the Gulf region.

The agreements were exchanged in the presence of Modi and UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan during the Prime Minister’s short visit to Abu Dhabi. One of the most important developments was the signing of an agreement on a framework for a strategic defence partnership between the two countries. The deal reflects the growing military and security cooperation between India and the UAE in recent years.

India and the UAE also signed a memorandum of understanding on strategic petroleum reserves. Along with this, both countries signed an agreement related to the supply of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). These agreements are expected to further strengthen India’s energy security and deepen cooperation in the energy sector between the two nations.

Another important agreement focused on maritime infrastructure. Both sides signed an MoU for setting up a ship repair cluster at Vadinar in Gujarat. The project is aimed at boosting industrial and maritime cooperation and is expected to strengthen port-related infrastructure in the state.

In a major economic announcement, the UAE declared investments worth $5 billion in Indian infrastructure projects as well as in RBL Bank and Samman Capital. The investment announcement is being seen as another sign of the deepening economic relationship between India and the Gulf nation.

During his meeting with MBZ, Modi highlighted the importance of peaceful solutions to regional conflicts. He stressed the need for diplomatic efforts to address tensions in West Asia. Modi praised the UAE President for handling difficult situations with patience and maturity. He said the UAE leadership had shown “remarkable patience in a difficult situation.”

The Prime Minister also strongly condemned attacks on the UAE and reaffirmed India’s support for the country. Modi said, “India stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the UAE in every situation, and it will continue to do so.” He further added that India would extend “all possible cooperation” for the restoration of peace and stability in the region.

Speaking about the ongoing tensions in West Asia, Modi expressed concern over the global impact of the conflict. He said, “The impact of war in the West Asia region is seen across the world today. India has always given importance to dialogue and diplomacy for resolving issues.” He stressed that peaceful discussions and diplomatic engagement remain important for maintaining stability in the region.

The Prime Minister also underlined the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most crucial trade and energy routes. Modi said it was important that the Strait of Hormuz remained “free and open.” He also highlighted the need to follow international law to ensure smooth global trade and energy movement through the route.

Modi thanked the UAE leadership for its support and care towards the Indian community living in the country. He said the Indian diaspora in the UAE was treated “like family,” highlighting the close people-to-people relationship shared by the two nations. Millions of Indians live and work in the UAE, making the community an important bridge between the countries.

The UAE visit is the first stop in Modi’s larger diplomatic tour that focuses on strengthening India’s cooperation with countries in Europe and the Gulf region. The tour is expected to focus on sectors such as trade, technology, innovation, green growth and energy cooperation.

After completing his visit to Abu Dhabi, Modi will travel to the Netherlands, where he is scheduled to hold discussions with Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten. He will also meet King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima. The talks in the Netherlands are expected to focus on semiconductors, green hydrogen, defence cooperation, innovation and water management.

The next leg of the tour will take Modi to Sweden where he will hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson. Modi and Ursula von der Leyen are also expected to jointly address the European Round Table for Industry. Discussions in Sweden are likely to centre on artificial intelligence, emerging technologies, green transition and building resilient supply chains.

Modi will also attend the third India-Nordic Summit in Oslo on May 19. During the summit, he is expected to hold bilateral talks with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store. Leaders from Denmark, Finland, Iceland and Sweden are also expected to participate in the summit. The meeting is likely to focus on expanding cooperation between India and Nordic countries in areas such as clean energy, innovation and technology.