India, UAE agree on strategic defence partnership during Modi visit

India and the United Arab Emirates agreed on a framework for a strategic defence partnership on Friday during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the Gulf nation, as both countries seek to strengthen ties amid the ongoing Iran conflict.

According to India’s foreign ministry, the two sides also signed agreements related to strategic petroleum reserves and the supply of liquefied petroleum gas.

The ministry said the new defence partnership would focus on expanding cooperation in defence manufacturing, innovation and advanced technology, as well as training, joint exercises, maritime security, cyber defence, secure communications and information sharing.

Ahead of Modi’s visit, Indian officials had indicated that the prime minister was expected to discuss long-term energy supply arrangements and seek UAE support for expanding India’s strategic oil reserves.

The report also noted that the UAE’s recent decision to leave the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries could increase its oil output and potentially benefit major importers such as India.