India and the United Arab Emirates have strengthened their strategic partnership by signing a series of agreements across energy, defence, maritime infrastructure and emerging technologies during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Abu Dhabi. Alongside the agreements, the UAE announced investments worth $5 billion in India, signaling deeper economic and strategic engagement between the two countries.

The discussions covered a broad range of sectors including trade, investment, security, infrastructure, fintech, education and technology, reflecting the growing depth of India-UAE relations.

UAE Announces $5 Billion Investment Commitment

As part of the announcements, multiple UAE entities committed significant investments in India across banking, infrastructure and financial sectors.

The investment package includes:

• $3 billion by Emirates New Development Bank (ENDB) in RBL Bank
• $1 billion by Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) with National Infrastructure & Investment Fund (NIIF) for infrastructure projects
• $1 billion by International Holding Company in Sammaan Capital

The investments are expected to support infrastructure development, financial growth and long-term economic cooperation between the two countries.

Energy Partnership Gets Stronger

India and the UAE also expanded their cooperation in the energy sector through new strategic agreements.

Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserves Limited and ADNOC signed a collaboration agreement aimed at increasing the UAE’s participation in India’s strategic petroleum reserves while also exploring strategic gas reserve opportunities.

In another important development, Indian Oil Corporation (IOCL) and ADNOC finalized a long-term LPG supply arrangement to strengthen energy security.

Defence Cooperation Enters New Phase

The two countries signed a Framework for Strategic Defence Partnership aimed at enhancing cooperation in defence manufacturing and advanced technologies.

The agreement focuses on:

• Maritime security
• Cyber defence
• Secure communications
• Information exchange
• Training and industrial collaboration

The move reflects growing defence ties between India and the UAE amid evolving global security challenges.

Maritime and Shipbuilding Sector Gets Major Push

India and the UAE also expanded collaboration in maritime infrastructure and shipbuilding.

An agreement between Cochin Shipyard Limited and Drydocks World, Dubai was signed for establishing a ship repair cluster at Vadinar under India’s Maritime Development Fund Scheme.

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Additionally, a tripartite agreement involving Cochin Shipyard, Drydocks World and the Centre of Excellence in Maritime & Shipbuilding (CEMS) was signed to strengthen skill development in shipbuilding and repair services.

AI and Digital Connectivity Receive Attention

In a major technology initiative, India’s C-DAC and UAE-based G42 announced a partnership to establish an 8 Exaflop Super Compute Cluster aimed at strengthening India’s AI Mission and advanced computing capabilities.

The leaders also welcomed the operationalisation of the Virtual Trade Corridor through the MAITRI digital platform, which links customs and port authorities of both countries to improve cargo movement efficiency and reduce logistics costs.

Strengthening a Growing Strategic Partnership

Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for the hospitality extended during the visit and reiterated India’s commitment to expanding bilateral cooperation.

The latest agreements and investment announcements reflect the growing strategic importance of India-UAE ties and signal stronger collaboration across traditional sectors as well as future technologies such as artificial intelligence and advanced digital infrastructure.