Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on a significant visit to the United Arab Emirates, where he was personally received at Abu Dhabi airport by UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. This gesture highlighted the deepening strategic and personal ties between the two leaders.
During the visit, key agreements and investment announcements were made in sectors such as defence, energy, infrastructure, and banking, signaling a strengthening of the strategic partnership between India and the UAE.
Modi expressed his gratitude to President Al Nahyan for the warm reception and looked forward to discussions focusing on enhancing bilateral relations across various sectors including energy, investment, and supply chains.
Following delegation-level talks, India and the UAE signed agreements aimed at bolstering strategic defence cooperation, strategic petroleum reserves, LPG supplies, and maritime collaboration. Additionally, investments worth USD 5 billion were announced in Indian infrastructure projects, RBL Bank, and Samman Capital.
Modi received a ceremonial guard of honour upon his arrival in Abu Dhabi before engaging in talks with the UAE leadership. This visit to the UAE marked the first leg of Modi’s five-nation tour, which also includes stops in the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, and Italy, with a focus on trade, technology, energy, innovation, and green growth.
The Federation of Indian Export Organisations highlighted the tour’s importance for India’s economic and strategic engagement with Europe and the Gulf region. FIEO President S. C. Ralhan emphasized the significance of India’s growing stature as an economic partner and a driver of global growth.
The UAE was recognized as a crucial trade and investment partner for India, serving as a key gateway for Indian exports to West Asia and Africa. UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation Reem Al Hashimy praised Modi as a valuable asset to the Emirates, forecasting new heights in trade and technology cooperation.
After his visit to the UAE, Modi is scheduled to travel to the Netherlands for further discussions on semiconductors, green hydrogen, innovation, defence, and water management. The visit aims to strengthen ties and explore opportunities for collaboration between the two nations.
