New Delhi, January 20, 2026
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan paid a brief but significant visit to India on Monday, giving a strong boost to the growing strategic partnership between the two nations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi broke protocol to personally receive the UAE leader at the airport, where the two warmly embraced before departing together in the same vehicle. The high-level discussions took place at Lok Kalyan Marg, following which the UAE President departed after a three-and-a-half-hour stay. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar saw him off at the airport.
During the meeting, India and the UAE finalized multiple Letters of Intent (LoIs), Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs), and new agreements aimed at deepening cooperation in economic, technological, defense, nuclear, and cultural sectors. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said both sides have laid out a detailed roadmap to expand collaboration in key emerging areas.
Trade Targets Raised; Bilateral Commerce to Reach $200 Billion by 2032
Since the signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) in 2022, bilateral trade has surpassed $100 billion. With trade for 2023–24 recorded at $84 billion, both leaders agreed to double the target to $200 billion by 2032. They also committed to facilitating MSME exports to markets across West Asia, Africa, and Eurasia.
Defense Cooperation Strengthened
India and the UAE signed a Letter of Intent to advance a framework agreement for a strategic defense partnership. Both sides committed to significantly expanding defense engagements and joint capabilities.
Long-Term LNG Supply Agreement Finalized
A major 10-year deal was signed for the annual supply of 0.5 million metric tons of LNG from ADNOC Gas to Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL). The UAE is India’s second-largest LNG supplier after Qatar.
Boost to Civil Nuclear Cooperation
Both nations agreed to accelerate civil nuclear collaboration, including joint work on large reactors, small modular reactors, advanced reactor systems, and nuclear plant operations. Discussions also focused on new opportunities arising from India’s Peaceful Nuclear Act.
Supercomputing and AI Collaboration
Artificial intelligence was identified as a priority sector. India and the UAE will jointly establish a supercomputing cluster in India, and the UAE will explore investments to expand data center capacity.
UAE to Support Development of Dholera Special Investment Region
Another LoI aims to facilitate UAE participation in developing Gujarat’s Dholera Special Investment Region. The initiative may include an international airport, MRO facilities, a pilot training center, a greenfield port, a smart township, and major energy and railway infrastructure.
Space Sector Partnership Expanded
India’s IN-SPACe and the UAE Space Agency signed an LoI to collaborate on space infrastructure. Joint efforts will include developing launch complexes, satellite manufacturing facilities, joint missions, space academies, and training centers.
MoU on Food Security
A key MoU was signed between APEDA and the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment to enhance food sector cooperation, expand agricultural exports from India, and strengthen food security in the UAE — a move expected to benefit Indian farmers.
UAE Companies to Expand Presence in India
The UAE’s major firms, including First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) and DP World, will establish or expand operations in Gujarat’s GIFT City.
Exploring the Concept of “Data Embassies”
Both sides will examine the possibility of setting up data embassies under mutually recognized sovereignty agreements — a modern concept aimed at secure digital cooperation.
