India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have agreed to strengthen bilateral defence and energy cooperation during Prime Minister Narendra Modi latest visit to the Gulf state, marking a significant expansion of strategic ties between the two countries.
Read More: UAE pledges $5bn investment in India
According to India’s foreign ministry, both sides finalised a framework for a strategic defence partnership focused on boosting collaboration in defence manufacturing, advanced technology, innovation and regional security.
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PM Modi lands in the UAE, greeted with warm camaraderie by President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
Handshakes, strategic talks, and a renewed push for stronger India-UAE ties in energy, defence and investment. pic.twitter.com/54RcLUKuJD
— Asha Negi (@AshaNegi_14) May 16, 2026
The agreement includes plans to expand joint military training exercises, maritime security coordination, cyber defence cooperation, secure communications and intelligence sharing. The move reflects growing alignment between New Delhi and Abu Dhabi on regional security matters amid continuing instability in the Middle East.
Alongside defence cooperation, India and the UAE signed agreements linked to strategic petroleum reserves and liquefied petroleum gas supplies. These deals are expected to strengthen India’s long-term energy security as it seeks reliable supply channels during a period of uncertainty in global oil markets.
Regional energy concerns have intensified due to disruptions linked to the ongoing Iran-related conflict, which has affected shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global oil transportation. The uncertainty has pushed energy-importing countries, including India, to secure alternative arrangements and expand strategic reserves.
Indian officials had signalled ahead of the visit that energy cooperation would be a major focus, particularly after the UAE’s decision to exit the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, a move that could allow the Gulf state to increase oil production capacity.
The two nations had already expanded cooperation earlier this year through a $3 billion liquefied natural gas supply agreement signed in January. That deal was accompanied by an initial letter of intent outlining plans for a future strategic defence partnership.
Read More: India and UAE sign $3bn LNG deal, expand trade and defence ties
The Indian foreign ministry also announced fresh UAE investments worth $5 billion into India. Major deals include Emirates NBD acquiring a majority stake in Ratnakar Bank Limited and Abu Dhabi-based International Holding Company investing in Sammaan Capital.
The latest agreements underscore growing economic and security ties between India and the UAE as both countries seek closer strategic coordination in an increasingly volatile regional environment.