India and the UAE have agreed to further strengthen cooperation in key areas including energy, defence, technology, investment and healthcare.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan over the phone on Friday. The two leaders discussed recent developments in West Asia and reaffirmed their commitment to working together to promote regional peace, security and stability.
During the conversation, Modi and Sheikh Mohamed discussed new measures to deepen the India-UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Energy, defence, technology, investment and health were identified as key areas for expanding bilateral cooperation.
Sheikh Mohamed congratulated Modi on India’s successful BRICS Presidency and appreciated India’s efforts in delivering outcomes during the presidency. Modi also thanked the UAE for its participation and cooperation, including the participation of Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled at the BRICS Summit.
Energy remains an important part of India-UAE ties, with both countries working together in areas such as crude oil, natural gas and strategic petroleum reserves. The two sides have also expanded cooperation on long-term LNG supplies and crude oil storage.
Defence cooperation has also grown beyond traditional military engagement, with India and the UAE focusing on defence industries, advanced technologies, training, cybersecurity and maritime security.
The two countries are also expanding cooperation in artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, healthcare and other emerging technologies. UAE investments in India have reached nearly $22 billion between April 2000 and September 2024, according to the Ministry of External Affairs.
Bilateral trade has also increased following the implementation of the India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement in May 2022. Trade between the two countries rose from $72.87 billion in 2021-22 to $101.2 billion in 2025-26.
The UAE President also conveyed his birthday greetings to Prime Minister Modi during the telephone conversation.
