New Delhi, January 19, 2026: Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted a high-level meeting with United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Monday, marking the UAE leader’s third official visit to India and his fifth visit over the past decade. Despite the brevity of the visit, which lasted just three hours, the discussions were extensive and substantive, covering a wide range of strategic, economic, and technological areas.

The talks underscored the rapidly expanding India-UAE partnership, reflecting shared priorities in energy security, defence, artificial intelligence, space, and counter-terrorism. According to Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, the leaders, who share an “extremely warm and close relationship,” met both in restricted one-on-one sessions and delegation-level talks to deliberate on actionable initiatives across multiple sectors.

Several agreements and letters of intent were exchanged during the visit, signaling tangible outcomes in areas such as investment, defence collaboration, digital infrastructure, civil nuclear energy, and long-term energy supply. One of the central themes of the discussions was bolstering economic ties, with a shared commitment to raising bilateral trade from USD 84 billion in 2023–24 to USD 200 billion by 2032.

Artificial Intelligence and Digital Cooperation

A key area of focus was artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies. Both sides agreed to explore joint initiatives in AI, supercomputing, and digital infrastructure. Among the most significant announcements was the agreement for C-DAC India and UAE-based G42 Company to collaborate on establishing a supercomputing cluster in India. The facility, which will be part of India’s AI Mission, is expected to serve both private and public sectors, facilitating research, application development, and commercial use.

Additionally, India and the UAE decided to examine the concept of “Digital Embassies,” premised on the principle of mutually recognized sovereignty over digital infrastructure. This initiative could allow both countries to securely manage diplomatic and sensitive operations in digital environments, reflecting a forward-looking approach to international collaboration in cyberspace.

Sheikh Mohamed also expressed support for India’s proposal to host the AI Impact Summit in February 2026, which is expected to bring together global leaders, policymakers, and experts to chart the future course of AI development and deployment.

Defence and Counter-Terrorism Cooperation

Defence cooperation was another highlight of the discussions. The two countries signed a Letter of Intent to work toward establishing a Strategic Defence Partnership, which will pave the way for long-term collaboration in defence technology, training, and joint exercises. The initiative aligns with India’s broader efforts to deepen partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region while simultaneously enhancing its technological capabilities in defence systems.

Counter-terrorism emerged as a critical point of convergence. Both nations strongly condemned terrorism in all forms, including cross-border attacks, and emphasized the need for international accountability of perpetrators and financiers. This aligns with India’s consistent diplomatic push for global cooperation to combat terrorism financing and the use of technology in planning and executing terror acts.

Energy Partnership Strengthened

Energy security was another major topic on the agenda. India and the UAE welcomed a 10-year long-term LNG supply agreement between Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) and ADNOC Gas for the delivery of 0.5 million tonnes annually from 2028. This deal reinforces the UAE’s position as a key energy partner for India, second only to Qatar in liquefied natural gas supply.

Officials highlighted that India’s growing energy needs, coupled with its transition to cleaner fuels, make long-term agreements with reliable partners like the UAE vital for economic stability and sustainable growth. The LNG deal also signals confidence in India’s market and underscores the strategic nature of energy collaboration between the two nations.

Investment and Trade Initiatives

Investment opportunities in India’s rapidly developing industrial and technological hubs were also discussed. The UAE committed to exploring further investments in Gujarat’s Dholera Special Investment Region (DSIR), a major industrial corridor designed to attract global investors and promote economic growth in western India. The discussions focused on facilitating both infrastructure development and advanced technology deployment in DSIR, which has become a centerpiece of India’s manufacturing and export strategy.

Bilateral trade expansion remains a priority, with both sides targeting USD 200 billion in annual trade by 2032. To achieve this, India and the UAE intend to streamline regulatory frameworks, explore joint ventures, and encourage private sector partnerships in high-growth sectors, including manufacturing, fintech, and renewable energy.

Nuclear Energy Cooperation

Another area of significant progress was civil nuclear cooperation. Both countries agreed to explore collaboration in advanced nuclear technologies, including the development of large nuclear reactors, small modular reactors, and advanced reactor systems. Cooperation could also extend to the operation of nuclear power plants, research in nuclear safety, and sharing expertise in clean energy generation. The initiative aligns with India’s strategy to diversify its energy mix and accelerate the adoption of low-carbon energy sources to meet its climate goals.

Space Collaboration

Space cooperation was highlighted as another forward-looking area. While details remain under negotiation, both nations expressed interest in jointly exploring satellite technology, research initiatives, and potential commercial applications. UAE’s growing space ambitions, coupled with India’s capabilities in satellite launches and space technology, create a strong foundation for collaboration in this domain.

Context and Significance

Sheikh Mohamed’s visit comes amid heightened geopolitical tensions in West Asia, making strategic engagement with India particularly significant. Over the past decade, the UAE President has made several visits to India, reflecting the importance of the bilateral relationship, which encompasses trade, energy, defence, and cultural ties.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri emphasized that the visit reflects both continuity and expansion of India-UAE ties. “The leaders discussed a wide range of topics—from AI to defence and energy security—demonstrating the depth and maturity of our strategic partnership,” he said.

The visit also reinforces the importance of personal diplomacy, as Modi and Sheikh Mohamed share a relationship characterized by trust and regular engagement. Such high-level interactions allow both countries to align priorities, quickly address challenges, and explore innovative solutions across multiple sectors.

Outcomes and Forward Path

At the conclusion of the three-hour visit, several key agreements and letters of intent were signed or announced. These include:

• Investment initiatives in Gujarat’s Dholera Special Investment Region.
• A Letter of Intent toward a Strategic Defence Partnership.
• A 10-year LNG supply agreement ensuring stable energy imports from the UAE.
• Civil nuclear cooperation, including advanced reactor technologies and operational collaboration.
• AI and supercomputing collaboration, including the establishment of a supercomputing cluster in India.
• Trade and investment frameworks aimed at achieving USD 200 billion in bilateral trade by 2032.
• Exploration of space technology partnerships and digital infrastructure projects such as Digital Embassies.

The agreements reflect the growing maturity of India-UAE relations and the shared ambition of both nations to expand cooperation beyond traditional sectors into advanced technology, digital governance, and clean energy solutions.

In sum, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed’s visit represents a landmark moment in the India-UAE relationship, signaling both nations’ commitment to deepening strategic ties and pursuing ambitious projects across multiple domains. From energy security to AI and defence, the visit has reinforced India and UAE’s shared vision for a partnership that is resilient, innovative, and future-focused.