ThePrint ThePrintAM: What are the takeaways from PM Modi-UAE President meet?
Jan 20, 2026
Delve into the surprising two-hour meeting between PM Modi and the UAE President amidst regional tensions. Discover the announced Strategic Defense Partnership and agreements in civil nuclear and energy sectors. Explore India's stance on regional conflicts and how it plans to navigate through ongoing geopolitical shifts. Learn about the significant long-term LNG supply deal amid decreased Russian imports and Abu Dhabi's investment plans in India linked to IMEC. Get insights into advanced cooperation in technology, nuclear energy, and space.
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Rapid High-Level Visit Signals Deeper Ties
- India and the UAE deepened ties through a rapid, high-profile visit by President Mohammed bin Zayed to meet PM Narendra Modi.
- The meeting produced a letter of intent to negotiate a Strategic Defense Partnership indicating growing security alignment.
Defense Pact Framed As Technical, Not Military Entrapment
- India framed the defense framework as co-manufacturing and R&D rather than entanglement in regional conflicts.
- Foreign Secretary Vikram Mishri emphasized existing broad defense engagement as the basis for the new partnership.
Long-Term LNG Deal Boosts Energy Diversification
- India secured a long-term LNG purchase of 0.5 million tonnes per year for 10 years from ADNOC Gas starting 2028.
- This deal strengthens India's energy diversification as it reduces reliance on Russian supplies.