India and UAE Strengthen Strategic Partnership with $3 Billion LNG…

Sarah J · 2026-01-20T16:52:21.000Z

India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have agreed to deepen their bilateral cooperation across energy, trade and defence, finalising a major $3 billion liquefied natural gas (LNG) supply agreement during a high-level leaders’ meeting in New Delhi. The developments reflect rapidly expanding economic and strategic ties between the two nations. At the meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the two sides pledged to double bilateral trade to $200 billion within six years, expanding on existing ties under the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). Under the LNG agreement, Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) Gas will supply India’s Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) with 0.5 million metric tonnes of LNG annually for 10 years, starting around 2028. This deal positions India as a key long-term energy partner for the UAE and strengthens India’s energy security by diversifying fuel sources. In addition to the energy pact, both countries signed a letter of intent to pursue a Strategic Defence Partnership, signalling closer collaboration on military and security cooperation. Key areas of interest include joint training, capability development, defence industry linkages and interoperability, though India emphasised that this cooperation will not involve direct participation in regional conflicts. The agreements also touch on broader strategic cooperation, including possible collaboration in space, advanced technologies and digital infrastructure, reflecting a shared vision for comprehensive engagement beyond traditional economic ties. Together, these steps mark a deepening of India-UAE relations that balances trade growth, energy security and geopolitical cooperation.

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India and UAE Strengthen Strategic Partnership with $3 Billion LNG… | SEINET