India Middle East relations strengthen around energy security

Key takeaways

• The UAE has become one of India’s most important partners in the Middle East, with energy playing a central role in the relationship.
• India remains a major hotspot for energy demand growth, while the UAE holds significant oil and gas resources and plays an increasingly important role in regional energy trade.
• Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Abu Dhabi highlighted how energy security continues to shape India’s foreign policy priorities, especially at a time of heightened regional uncertainty.
• The Indian diaspora in the UAE remains a major bridge between both countries, strengthening economic, social, and cultural ties beyond energy.
• The UAE is seeking to deepen its relationship with India through broader cooperation in energy, trade, investment, and strategic sectors.
• For India, stronger ties with the UAE support the need to diversify energy sources and strengthen security of supply.
• The UAE’s position outside OPEC gives it more room to shape its own energy strategy, which could make it an even more relevant partner for energy importers such as India.