**Executive Summary**
On May 15, 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi conducted an official visit to the United Arab Emirates to strengthen the bilateral Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The visit resulted in USD 5 billion in new investment commitments, a new strategic defense framework, and multiple agreements regarding energy security and maritime infrastructure. Key actions include the operationalization of a Virtual Trade Corridor and the expansion of India’s strategic petroleum reserves.
**Key Points / Main Content**
**Energy Partnership**
* **Petroleum Reserves:** A Strategic Collaboration Agreement between Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserves Limited and ADNOC will increase UAE participation in India’s reserves to 30 million barrels.
* **Gas and LPG:** The two nations agreed to cooperate on setting up strategic gas reserves in India and established a long-term LPG supply arrangement between IOCL and ADNOC.
* **Regional Stability:** India reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring unimpeded navigation through the Strait of Hormuz to protect energy and food security.
**Investment and Finance**
* **Capital Infusion:** UAE entities announced USD 5 billion in investments, including USD 3 billion for RBL Bank by Emirates NBD.
* **Infrastructure and Growth:** USD 1 billion is allocated to priority infrastructure via the National Infrastructure & Investment Fund (NIIF), and USD 1 billion will be invested by the International Holding Company in Sammaan Capital.
**Defense and Security**
* **Strategic Framework:** The "Framework for the Strategic Defence Partnership" was signed to deepen industrial collaboration and innovation.
* **Security Focus:** Cooperation will target maritime security, cyber defense, training, and secure communications.
**Maritime and Technology Infrastructure**
* **Shipbuilding:** An MoU was signed to establish a Ship Repair Cluster at Vadinar and a tripartite agreement was reached for maritime skill development.
* **Supercomputing:** A Term Sheet was finalized between CDAC and G-42 to set up an 8 Exaflop Super Compute Cluster.
* **Trade Facilitation:** The "Virtual Trade Corridor" was operationalized via the MAITRI digital framework to streamline customs and reduce transit costs.
**Impact Analysis**
**Indian Energy and Infrastructure Entities (ISPRL, IOCL, NIIF)**
**Impact**
These entities gain significant financial backing and technical collaboration to enhance national energy security and infrastructure development.
**Action Required**
Coordinate with UAE partners to manage the 30-million-barrel reserve participation and deploy infrastructure funding into priority projects.
**Financial Institutions (RBL Bank, Sammaan Capital)**
**Impact**
Recipients of USD 4 billion in direct investment to support growth and capital stability.
**Action Required**
Finalize investment protocols and integrate the capital into their respective growth strategies.
**Defense and Maritime Sectors**
**Impact**
Enhanced capabilities in ship repair, maritime security, and advanced defense technologies.
**Action Required**
Cochin Shipyard and defense agencies must implement the new framework agreements and begin development of the Vadinar Ship Repair Cluster.
**Trade and Logistics Stakeholders**
**Impact**
Customs and port authorities will see reduced transit times and costs through digital integration.
**Action Required**
Adopt and utilize the MAITRI digital framework to manage cargo movement through the Virtual Trade Corridor.
Key Entities Referenced
India–UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA): A landmark trade agreement between India and the UAE that has significantly scaled bilateral trade and economic cooperation.
Framework for the Strategic Defence Partnership: A bilateral agreement signed to deepen defense industrial collaboration, innovation, maritime security, and cyber defense.
Maritime Development Fund Scheme: An Indian government initiative under which a new Ship Repair Cluster is being established at Vadinar to enhance maritime infrastructure.
Virtual Trade Corridor (MAITRI): A digital trade framework (Master Application for International Trade and Regulatory Interface) designed to streamline cargo movement and reduce transit costs.
Strategic Collaboration Agreement (Energy): An agreement between ISPRL and ADNOC to enhance UAE participation in India’s Strategic Petroleum Reserves and develop strategic gas reserves.
Prime Minister's Office
Prime Minister’s visit to the United Arab Emirates
Posted On: 15 MAY 2026 3:59PM by PIB Delhi
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi paid an official visit to the United Arab Emirates today. He was
received at the airport by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE
and accorded a ceremonial welcome.
The two Leaders held a series of detailed discussions, during which Prime Minister reaffirmed India’s
strong condemnation of the attacks on the UAE, as well as its solidarity with leadership and the people of
the UAE. Prime Minister also conveyed India’s clear position in favour of ensuring safe transit passage
and unimpeded navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, which is vital for enduring regional peace and
stability, as well as energy and food security.
The Leaders also reviewed the entire gamut of bilateral relations and welcomed the deepening of the
Comprehensive Strategic Partnership across multiple sectors, including energy, trade, investment, defense,
security, fintech, infrastructure, education, culture and people to people ties. They acknowledged the
success of the India–UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which has led to
bilateral trade scaling new heights.
The two Leaders appreciated the vibrant and growing bilateral energy partnership, with the UAE
maintaining its role as an important partner in India’s energy security, including in terms of crude oil,
LNG and LPG supplies. The Leaders agreed to promote new initiatives for a comprehensive energy
partnership. In this context, they welcomed the conclusion of a Strategic Collaboration Agreement
between Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserves Limited and Abu Dhabi National Oil Company to enhance
UAE’s participation in India’s Strategic Petroleum Reserves to 30 million barrels, and work together to set
up strategic gas reserves in India. They also welcomed the arrangement entered into between Indian Oil
Limited (IOCL) Company and Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) on long-term LPG supplies.
The two Leaders welcomed the announcement of USD 5 billion in investment into India by UAE entities.
This includes investment of USD 3 billion by the Emirates NBD in the RBL Bank of India, USD 1 billion
by the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) with the National Infrastructure & Investment Fund of
India (NIIF) in priority infrastructure projects in India, and USD 1 billion by the International Holding
Company in Sammaan Capital of India. These investments underscore UAE’s sustained and long-term
commitment to India’s growth story, while strengthening the bilateral strategic investment partnership.
The Leaders acknowledged the steady and strong bilateral defence cooperation as an important pillar of
the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. They welcomed the signing of the Framework for the Strategic
Defence Partnership between the two countries during the visit. Under this, the two sides have agreed on
deepening defence industrial collaboration and cooperation on innovation and advanced technology,
training, exercises, maritime security, cyber defence, secure communications and information exchange.The two Leaders also witnessed the conclusion of the following additional documents during the visit,
which will further strengthen bilateral cooperation:
· MoU between Cochin Shipyard Limited and Drydocks World, Dubai on setting up Ship Repair Cluster at
Vadinar, including offshore fabrication, under the Maritime Development Fund Scheme launched by the
Government of India.
· Tripartite MoU between Cochin Shipyard Limited, the Drydocks World Dubai and Centre of Excellence
in Maritime & Shipbuilding (CEMS) on Skill Development in Ship Repair. This establishes a framework
to mobilize, train and employ a skilled maritime workforce, enhances the capabilities of the Indian
maritime workforce and position India as a hub for skilled shipbuilding and ship repair professionals.
· Term Sheet for setting up 8 Exaflop Super Compute Cluster in partnership between CDAC, India and G-
42, UAE.
The two leaders also welcomed the operationalisation of the Virtual Trade Corridor using MAITRI
(Master Application for International Trade and Regulatory Interface interface). This digital framework,
connecting customs and port authorities on both sides, will streamline cargo movement and reduce both
costs and transit time, thereby enabling more efficient trade flows.
Prime Minister thanked President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for the warm
welcome and gracious hospitality extended to him and invited him to visit India at an early date.
***
MJPS/SS/VJ
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