UAE, India Sign Defense, Energy Pacts

The United Arab Emirates and India formalized agreements on defense, energy, and shipping on May 15, 2026, during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Abu Dhabi. These pacts aim to strengthen bilateral relations amidst escalating tensions between the UAE and Iran.

The strategic defense partnership focuses on deepening industrial collaboration, innovation in advanced technology, training, exercises, maritime security, cyber defense, and information exchange. A significant energy agreement involves the potential storage of crude oil in Fujairah, UAE, to contribute to India's strategic petroleum reserves, alongside provisions for liquefied natural gas (LNG) supply.

These developments follow recent drone and missile attacks on Fujairah, which the UAE attributed to Iran, resulting in an oil refinery fire and injuries to three Indian workers. Prime Minister Modi condemned these attacks. The UAE also committed to investing up to $5 billion to enhance economic ties with India. India, as the world's third-largest oil importer, has been significantly affected by rising fuel prices, partly due to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, through which approximately half of its oil imports pass.