AI, Defense, and Mega Investments: UAE President Seals Key Deals During Three-Hour Visit to India

New Delhi: UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan held a three-hour visit to India, meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi to finalize several significant agreements between the two nations.

According to Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, the talks focused on cooperation in defense, AI and digital collaboration, food security, space, and investment. President Al Nahyan’s delegation included members of the royal family, senior ministers, and top officials. The discussions took place not only at the delegation level but also at a restricted high-level session at the Prime Minister’s residence.

Mega Investments in India:
The UAE will support strategic infrastructure development in Gujarat’s Dholera through major investments. Projects include an international airport, pilot training school, MRO (Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul) facilities, railway connectivity, and energy infrastructure. Additionally, GIFT City will host offices of First Abu Dhabi Bank and DP World.

Defense and Space Collaboration:
Both countries signed the Framework Agreement on Strategic Defense Partnership, focusing on innovation, technology, training, cyber space, and counter-terrorism. In space cooperation, the UAE Space Agency signed a Letter of Intent with India’s National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe). Agreements were also reached on food security initiatives.

Energy and Digital Sector Cooperation:
India and the UAE will explore the creation of a digital or data embassy, ensuring national data sovereignty while facilitating secure cross-border data flows. The UAE will also assist in establishing supercomputing clusters as part of India’s AI India Mission.

In energy, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) and Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC Gas) signed a 10-year LNG supply agreement starting in 2028. Both nations also agreed to boost bilateral trade to $200 billion by 2032, and expand nuclear cooperation in SMRs, plant operations, and nuclear safety. Additionally, a ‘House of India’ museum will be set up in Abu Dhabi to strengthen cultural ties.

Regional Issues Discussed:
President Al Nahyan and Prime Minister Modi also discussed West Asia, including the current situation in Gaza, unrest in Iran, and the crisis in Yemen, highlighting mutual concerns over regional stability.