India and UAE target deeper security and energy ties in presidential phone call

What did the leaders discuss?

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan phoned Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday to discuss the security crisis in West Asia and map out deeper trade, energy, and defence ties.

The call, which was ostensibly made to wish Modi a happy 76th birthday, quickly turned to the deteriorating security environment in the Middle East. According to a statement released by the Indian Prime Minister's Office, the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to coordinate closely on promoting peace, security, and stability in the region.

The diplomatic outreach follows the recent BRICS summit, held under India's presidency, which saw the UAE and Iran sign a joint declaration urging restraint and diplomacy in West Asia. In a post on the social media platform X, Modi thanked the UAE president, whom he referred to as his brother, for his warm wishes and the country's active cooperation during the summit, which was attended by Abu Dhabi’s Crown Prince, Sheikh Khaled.

How are economic and energy ties expanding?

The phone call highlights a rapidly expanding economic alliance between New Delhi and Abu Dhabi. Trade between the two nations has surged since they signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement in 2022.

Bilateral trade reached $101.2 billion in the 2025-26 financial year, according to Indian government figures, with Indian exports at $37.3 billion and imports from the UAE at $63.8 billion.

Energy remains the bedrock of this relationship. Out of India's $63.8 billion in imports from the UAE last year, crude oil accounted for $15.1 billion, with another $8.3 billion spent on petroleum products.

The two countries have also secured several long-term energy deals to protect supply chains. Earlier in 2026, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited signed a 10-year deal to buy 0.5 million tonnes of liquefied natural gas per year from ADNOC Gas, starting in 2028. India has also expanded its cooperation with the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company on strategic petroleum reserves and long-term crude storage.

What is next for defence and investment?

Beyond oil and gas, the two leaders discussed expanding cooperation into artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, and health.

Investment flows from the Gulf state have grown substantially. Ministry of External Affairs data shows UAE investments in India reached nearly $22 billion between April 2000 and September 2024. Much of this has been channelled through the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, which has emerged as a key institutional investor in India's National Investment and Infrastructure Fund.

In defence, the relationship is moving past traditional joint military exercises. The two governments are working on a Strategic Defence Partnership framework designed to cover joint defence industrial collaboration, cyber security, maritime security, and technology sharing.