What are the main energy-related objectives of Prime Minister Modi's brief visit to the UAE?

According to the news, Modi is likely to seek long-term energy supply deals—specifically for cooking gas and crude oil—and request support to expand India's strategic oil reserves during his visit. The UAE, already one of India's biggest suppliers of crude oil and natural gas, recently signed a $3 billion LNG deal with India in January, and India has leased 1.5 million metric tons of its existing strategic reserve capacity to Abu Dhabi National Oil Co (ADNOC).

Why is the UAE an especially critical energy partner for India at this time, according to the sources cited?

The UAE is critically important because India—the world's third-largest energy importer—is seeking to secure supplies badly disrupted by the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran; the UAE’s recent exit from OPEC is expected to boost its output and help countries like India, and high-level visits to the UAE have been rare since the war began and Iran launched strikes on the country.

Modi Likely to Seek More Energy Supplies from UAE During Short Visit, Sources Say

May 14, 2026

Indian Prime Minister Modi plans to visit the UAE to discuss long-term energy supply deals and expand strategic oil reserves amid global disruptions. The trip aims to secure crude oil and natural gas from one of India's biggest suppliers.

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Modi Likely to Seek More Energy Supplies from UAE During Short Visit, Sources Say

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