PM Modi's UAE visit seen as key move amid West Asia crisis
New Delhi, May 14
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's official visit to the UAE on Friday, which comes against the backdrop of the West Asian crisis, reflects the strategic importance that India places on strengthening its ties with the Gulf nation, a report said.
The visit is expected to focus on defence cooperation, energy security, maritime stability, and trade resilience against the backdrop of escalating regional tensions and growing risks to global supply chains, according to a report in the Khaleej Times.
The PM will hold high-level talks with the UAE's President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan as both countries seek to deepen their strategic partnership. The timing of the visit is particularly significant. The Gulf region is grappling with heightened geopolitical uncertainty linked to the continuing US-Iran confrontation, threats to shipping lanes, and fears of prolonged disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, the report stated.
Analysts say discussions during the visit are expected to prioritise both reliable energy access and defence coordination as India seeks to shield its economy and trade routes from the fallout of regional instability.
Energy cooperation is likely to dominate economic discussions, including long-term LNG contracts, crude supply assurances, upstream investments and alternative logistics arrangements to mitigate potential disruptions in the Gulf.
The UAE is already among India's largest energy partners, supplying crude oil, LPG, and LNG, while also hosting major Indian investments in strategic petroleum reserves and upstream projects, the report observed.
It highlighted that defence ties between the two countries are also entering a new phase. India and the UAE are expected to advance negotiations on a Strategic Defence Partnership framework following a letter of intent signed earlier this year. The proposed agreement is likely to cover defence manufacturing, cybersecurity, maritime security, intelligence-sharing, counter-terrorism cooperation and special operations.
The report further stated that the UAE's strategic geographic position also gives India an important foothold near critical global energy and shipping routes at a time when competition for influence in West Asia is intensifying among major regional and global powers.
The visit also reflects a broader transformation in India-UAE ties over the past decade. What was once primarily an oil-for-remittances relationship has evolved into a comprehensive strategic partnership spanning defence, fintech, renewable energy, food security, artificial intelligence, logistics, infrastructure and digital payments.
Besides, the UAE is now India's third-largest trading partner and among its biggest sources of foreign direct investment, the report states.
It also highlights the importance of the Indian diaspora factor in the relationship as the UAE hosts more than 4.5 million Indians - the country's largest expatriate community abroad - whose remittances, business activity and professional contributions form a critical bridge between the two economies.
"Diaspora welfare, labour protections and mobility issues are expected to feature prominently in the talks, especially as the UAE continues to position itself as a global talent and investment hub," the report added.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Good that the government is focusing on defence and energy security. But I hope they also pressed for better labour rights and welfare of Indian workers in UAE. Many face issues with wages and living conditions. Diplomatic visits should also talk about these ground-level problems. 🤔
As someone who follows geopolitics, this visit makes a lot of sense. The Strait of Hormuz is a chokepoint for Indian oil imports, and the US-Iran tensions are not going away anytime soon. The UAE is a reliable partner, and this strategic deepening is exactly what India needs now to protect its supply chains.
It's heartening to see India playing a larger role in West Asia. The UAE has been a consistent partner, and this visit shows we are moving beyond just buying oil. Defence manufacturing, cybersecurity, and fintech cooperation sound promising. Plus, remembering our diaspora shows we care about their welfare. Well done, PM! 🌟
I appreciate the strategic thinking here, but let's not ignore that we are still heavily dependent on Gulf oil. The government should also focus on boosting domestic energy production and renewable energy. Long-term deals are fine, but we need to reduce our vulnerability to regional crises. Still, good diplomatic step.
The timing of this visit is perfect. With tensions in the Gulf, India needs friends in West Asia. The UAE is not just an energy partner but a gateway to Africa and Europe. The focus on maritime security and defence manufacturing is especially
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