SYLLABUS

GS-2: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.

Context: Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the United Arab Emirates to strengthen cooperation in energy security, defence, trade, investment, artificial intelligence, maritime infrastructure, and strategic connectivity.

More on the News

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi held bilateral talks with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi and reviewed the entire spectrum of the India–UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. 

• Both countries signed several agreements related to strategic petroleum reserves, long-term LPG supply, defence cooperation, ship repair infrastructure, maritime skill development, supercomputing, and investments. 

• The UAE announced investments worth US$ 5 billion in India across banking, infrastructure, and financial sectors, reflecting growing economic confidence and long-term strategic convergence. 

• The visit also took place amid tensions in West Asia and concerns regarding the Strait of Hormuz, with India emphasizing safe maritime navigation and regional stability due to its energy security interests.

Key Outcomes of the Visit

• Strategic Petroleum Reserve Agreement: MoU between ISPRL and ADNOC for crude oil storage up to 30 million barrels and cooperation in LNG/LPG storage.

• Strengthens India’s energy security and resilience against supply disruptions.

• Long-term LPG Supply Agreement: Strategic collaboration between IOCL and ADNOC for long-term LPG supplies.

• Ensures reliable LPG supply for domestic consumption

• Framework for Strategic Defence Partnership: Cooperation in defence manufacturing, innovation, cyber defence, maritime security, training and information exchange.

• Enhances defence industrial cooperation and regional security.

• Ship Repair Cluster at Vadinar, Gujarat: MoU between CSL and Drydocks World for ship repair and offshore fabrication facilities.

• Boosts maritime infrastructure and supports Make in India.

• Skill Development in Ship Repair: Tripartite MoU between CSL, DDW and CEMS for maritime workforce training.

• Strengthens skilled manpower in shipbuilding and ship repair.

• 8 Exaflop Super Computing Cluster: Partnership between CDAC India and G42 to establish supercomputing infrastructure under IndiaAI Mission.

• Accelerates India’s AI Mission and high-performance computing capabilities.

• UAE Investment Commitments: UAE announced US$5 billion investments: US$3 billion by Emirates NBD in RBL Bank, US$1 billion by ADIA with NIIF for infrastructure projects, and US$1 billion by International Holding Company in Sammaan Capital.

• Expands capital flows and strengthens strategic investment partnership.

• Virtual Trade Corridor using MAITRI: Digital customs and port connectivity framework.

• Reduces logistics cost and improves cargo movement efficiency.