India Offers Full Support for West Asia Peace, Strengthens UAE Defense Ties

Dubai. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday, during his conversation with UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, stated that India is ready to provide any possible assistance to bring peace to West Asia. 

The meeting between Modi and Al Nahyan took place shortly after Modi arrived in the Gulf country. This is the first leg of Modi's five-country tour, which also includes four European countries.

Speaking at the beginning of the meeting with the UAE President, Modi said, 'We condemn the attack on the UAE.' The UAE hosts a major US military base. Iran has targeted the UAE many times during the conflict. 

Modi added, 'The way the UAE has been targeted is unacceptable. However, the restraint with which the UAE has handled the current situation is commendable.'

Later, the Ministry of External Affairs issued a statement saying, 'The Prime Minister reiterated his strong condemnation of the attack on the UAE. He also expressed solidarity with the leadership and people of the UAE. The Prime Minister clearly stated India's position in favor of safe and unimpeded passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz. He stated that this is very important for lasting peace and stability in the region, as well as for energy and food security.'

Modi stated that the impact of the West Asia conflict is being felt worldwide. He said, 'India is ready to provide all possible assistance to bring peace to West Asia.'

Modi was welcomed at the airport by Al Nahyan, underscoring the importance of this visit. He was also given a Guard of Honour. As a special honor, his aircraft was escorted by UAE military fighter jets. In a social media post, Modi expressed gratitude for the 'cordial reception' by the UAE President upon arrival at Abu Dhabi airport.

During this visit, a framework agreement for strategic defense partnership was signed between India and the UAE. Under this agreement, both countries will focus on joint development and co-production of advanced defense technologies, intelligence sharing, and strengthening counter-terrorism cooperation.

The Ministry of External Affairs stated in its release, 'Both leaders considered the continuously strengthening bilateral defense cooperation between India and the UAE as an important pillar of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. They welcomed the signing of the Framework for Strategic Defense Partnership between the two countries during the visit.' 

Under this agreement, both sides have agreed to deepen cooperation in the defense industry and enhance advanced technology, training, military exercises, maritime security, cyber defense, and secure communication.

Kabir Taneja, an expert on West Asia affairs, told news agency PTI, 'We have seen the signing of some agreements. This includes discussions on investments ranging from LPG to five billion dollars. And it also includes a strategic defense agreement. In my opinion, this agreement will further advance India's strategic partnership with the UAE.'

He stated that Modi's visit was primarily to support the UAE, as it has faced the most missile and drone attacks during the conflict with Iran. Additionally, India and the UAE trade over one hundred billion dollars, and the UAE is India's largest partner in the Gulf.

Furthermore, India and the UAE have also signed a Memorandum of Understanding on strategic petroleum reserves. The objective of this agreement is to strengthen India's energy security by addressing supply disruptions related to volatile markets and regional tensions. 

Currently, Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) is the only foreign company storing oil in India's underground reserves. This agreement will ensure reliable energy supply for India, while the UAE will get a large market like India for its increased crude oil production.

Both sides have also signed an agreement on LPG supply. Fluctuations in LPG prices in the global market also affect Indian consumers. This agreement between Indian Oil Corporation (IOCL) and ADNOC attempts to mitigate this impact. Under this, fuel supply from the UAE will be ensured on a priority basis. Approximately 40 percent of India's domestic LPG requirement comes from the UAE. In addition, a Memorandum of Understanding has also been signed for the construction of a ship repair cluster in Vadinar, Gujarat.

Deepak Mittal, Indian Ambassador to the UAE, stated that the most important agreement between the two countries is regarding increasing strategic oil storage. He said, 'The most important aspect is increasing India's strategic oil storage. There is a plan to increase it from about 5.5 million barrels to 30 million barrels. New locations are being identified for this, including Chandikhol in Odisha.'

He added, 'The second aspect was to develop India's strategic petroleum storage capacity in the UAE's Fujairah storage. The third aspect was to develop new strategic storage not only for crude oil but for the first time for gas, i.e., LNG and LPG. The fourth aspect was to work on a long-term supply arrangement for LNG between both countries. All these steps are aimed at strengthening India's energy security and the energy partnership between the two countries.'

The Ministry of External Affairs stated that both leaders welcomed the announcement of a five-billion-dollar investment in India by UAE entities. This includes a three-billion-dollar investment by Emirates NBD in India's RBL Bank. Additionally, Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) will invest one billion dollars in India's primary infrastructure projects in collaboration with India's National Infrastructure and Investment Fund (NIIF). Furthermore, International Holding Company will invest one billion dollars in India's Samana Capital.