Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a wide-ranging meeting with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi on Friday, 15 May, as the two leaders agreed to deepen bilateral ties across energy, trade, defence, and technology — and witnessed the signing of multiple agreements that officials say will give fresh momentum to the India-UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. In a significant financial commitment, the UAE announced investments of USD 5 billion in India during the visit.

Key Agreements and Investment Commitments

The two leaders oversaw the exchange of agreements spanning energy, defence, infrastructure (including shipping), and advanced technology. Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the discussions covered areas of energy, trade and investment, blue economy, technology including fintech, defence and people-to-people ties, among others. The USD 5 billion UAE investment pledge was described as a step that will 'further strengthen our markets and infrastructure,' according to Jaiswal's post on X. Officials noted the visit has given 'a major boost to India's energy security.'

Condemnation of Attacks on UAE, West Asia Developments

A significant portion of the talks was devoted to the deteriorating situation in West Asia. Prime Minister Modi strongly condemned recent attacks on the UAE, calling the targeting of the country 'unacceptable in any form.' 'We strongly condemn the attack that took place in the UAE. The way the UAE was targeted is unacceptable in any form. In these difficult circumstances, the restraint and courage you demonstrated are highly commendable,' Modi said, addressing Sheikh Mohamed directly. The two leaders reaffirmed their shared commitment to peace, stability and prosperity in the region.

Indian Community and Diplomatic Goodwill

Modi also extended his gratitude to the UAE government and the royal family for their care of the Indian community during the ongoing conflict in West Asia. 'In such challenging times, the way you cared for the Indian community and looked after them like members of your own family, I express my heartfelt appreciation to the UAE government and the royal family for that,' he said. The Indian diaspora in the UAE is one of the largest in the world, making people-to-people ties a perennial priority in bilateral diplomacy.

A Guard of Honour and a Five-Nation Tour

Earlier on Friday, PM Modi arrived in Abu Dhabi for the first leg of a five-nation visit. UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan personally received him at Abu Dhabi airport — a gesture underscoring the warmth of ties between the two countries. Notably, UAE F-16 jets escorted PM Modi's aircraft as it entered UAE airspace, a rare military honour extended to visiting heads of government. This visit builds on a series of high-level engagements between the two nations over the past decade, during which India and the UAE have elevated their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

What Comes Next

The agreements signed in Abu Dhabi are expected to translate into project-level announcements in the coming months, particularly in the energy and infrastructure corridors. With the UAE's USD 5 billion commitment now on record, attention will shift to the pace of disbursement and the sectors prioritised. PM Modi's remaining stops on his five-nation tour are also being closely watched for further bilateral outcomes.