PM Modi UAE Visit Prioritises Energy Security Amid West Asia Fuel Crisis
PM Modi’s UAE visit focuses on energy security amid regional tensions.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to the United Arab Emirates will primarily focus on strengthening India’s energy security and deepening strategic cooperation, at a time when escalating tensions in West Asia are disrupting global oil supply chains and shipping routes.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that “Modi’s UAE visit priority is to strengthen energy supplies,” highlighting that the trip is being closely linked to India’s efforts to secure stable energy access amid regional instability. The visit is part of a broader five-nation diplomatic tour scheduled to begin on May 15, which will also include the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, and Italy.
During the UAE leg of the tour, Modi is expected to hold talks with UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi. Discussions are likely to cover a wide range of issues, including energy cooperation, regional security developments, and the expansion of the India-UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Also Read: Iran Supreme Leader’s Representative In India Calls For End To West Asia Conflict
The visit comes against the backdrop of heightened concerns over the security of key maritime routes, particularly the Strait of Hormuz, where tensions have raised fears of disruptions to global oil flows. Recent instability in the wider West Asia region has prompted India to reassess its energy supply risks, given its heavy dependence on imported crude oil and liquefied natural gas.
India and the United Arab Emirates have significantly expanded their bilateral relationship in recent years. The UAE is currently India’s third-largest trading partner and among its key sources of foreign direct investment. Trade between the two nations has grown dramatically, reaching around $84 billion in 2023–24, compared to just $180 million annually in the 1970s. Cumulative UAE investment in India has also reached tens of billions of dollars, particularly in infrastructure and energy-related sectors.
The visit is also expected to address issues concerning the large Indian diaspora in the UAE, which numbers around 4.7 million people and forms the country’s largest expatriate community. With regional tensions continuing to evolve, both countries are expected to reaffirm their commitment to energy stability, economic cooperation, and long-term strategic alignment.
Also Read: EAM Jaishankar Meets UNGA President Baerbock To Discuss SDGs, AI And West Asia Conflict
