PM Modi Expected To Push Energy Security Talks During UAE Visit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to seek additional long-term energy supply agreements from the United Arab Emirates during his brief visit to the Gulf nation on Friday, according to people familiar with the matter.

Invest in Indian Markets and Unlock Future Potential With 5paisa!

Open Account Now

The visit comes as India faces continued pressure on energy supplies due to disruptions linked to the ongoing conflict involving Iran and rising volatility in global crude oil markets.

Officials familiar with the discussions said India may seek support from the UAE for securing additional crude oil and cooking gas supplies, while also exploring cooperation to expand the country’s strategic petroleum reserves. Modi’s UAE stop is part of a five-nation tour scheduled between May 15 and May 20.

Focus On Crude Oil And LNG Supplies

The UAE is among India’s largest suppliers of crude oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG). In January, India signed an LNG supply agreement valued at nearly $3 billion with the Gulf nation.

India imports more than 85% of its crude oil requirements, making long-term supply arrangements important for energy security and price stability.

According to officials, India is expected to discuss additional long-duration contracts for crude oil and cooking gas during the meetings.

The Indian government has not officially commented on the proposed discussions. India’s oil ministry did not respond to queries related to the visit, while Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) also declined to comment ahead of the talks.

Strategic Oil Reserve Expansion On Agenda

India is also expected to raise the issue of expanding its strategic crude oil reserves. At present, the country has three strategic petroleum reserve facilities with a combined capacity of 5.33 million metric tonnes (MMT). India is planning two additional facilities with a combined capacity of 6.5 MMT.

ADNOC currently leases around 1.5 MMT of storage capacity within India’s strategic reserve system.

Strategic reserves are maintained to ensure supply security during global disruptions, geopolitical tensions, and sudden spikes in crude oil prices.

UAE Remains Key Trade Partner

Modi is scheduled to meet UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan during the visit. India’s Ministry of External Affairs said the leaders are expected to discuss bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors, including energy. The UAE is India’s third-largest trading partner and hosts more than 4.5 million Indians.

The two countries have also been working toward expanding bilateral trade, with plans to increase trade volumes to $200 billion over the next six years.

Modi first visited the UAE in 2015, becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to travel to the country in 34 years. The upcoming visit will be his eighth trip to the Gulf nation.

Following the UAE visit, Modi is scheduled to travel to the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway and Italy as part of his broader international tour.