In a significant development for India-UAE relations, Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi signed several key agreements on Monday. Among the highlights was an agreement on the operation and maintenance of the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant, involving the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) and India’s Nuclear Power Corporation Limited (NPCIL). This collaboration marks a new phase in nuclear energy cooperation between the two nations, aiming to bolster their energy security and expertise in clean energy.
Long-Term LNG Supply Agreement
Another major agreement was the long-term Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) supply deal between the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) and Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL). This deal is pivotal for India’s energy needs, ensuring a stable supply of LNG as the country transitions to cleaner energy sources. Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri highlighted the importance of this agreement in stabilizing India’s energy markets and supporting its environmental goals.
Strategic Petroleum Reserves and Hydrocarbon Resources
The visit also saw the signing of an agreement concerning India’s strategic petroleum reserves between ADNOC and the India Strategic Petroleum Reserve Limited (ISPRL). This agreement will help India access emergency crude supplies, enhancing its ability to handle global oil supply disruptions. Additionally, a Production Concession Agreement for Abu Dhabi Onshore Block 1 was signed between Urja Bharat and ADNOC, granting India access to UAE’s hydrocarbon resources.
Food Parks Development
Expanding the scope of cooperation beyond energy, an MoU was signed between the Government of Gujarat and Abu Dhabi Developmental Holding Company PJSC (ADQ) for developing food parks in India. This agreement aims to address food security issues and enhance agricultural infrastructure, reflecting the growing bilateral collaboration in various sectors.
Crown Prince’s Visit and Bilateral Relations
The visit of Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan is notable for being his first official trip to India, underscoring the importance of this relationship. Following his meeting with PM Modi at Hyderabad House, the Crown Prince paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat, emphasizing the enduring bond between the two countries. He is also scheduled to meet with President Droupadi Murmu and participate in a Business Forum in Mumbai.
Growing Economic Ties
Since Prime Minister Modi’s landmark visit to the UAE in 2015, the bilateral relationship has flourished into a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The UAE is India’s second-largest trading partner, with total trade projected to reach USD 100 billion by the end of the decade. Additionally, the UAE ranks among the top investors in India, particularly in energy and infrastructure. The agreements signed during this visit are expected to further solidify the strategic partnership between India and the UAE, fostering cooperation in energy, food security, and beyond.