New Delhi, 15 May (H.S.): During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the UAE, both sides reached agreement on seven key areas. A framework agreement was signed on strategic defence partnership between the two countries.
Consensus was reached on deals in the energy sector relating to strategic petroleum reserves and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) supplies. A memorandum of understanding was signed to set up a ship‑repair cluster at Vadinar in Gujarat. In addition, an investment of 5 billion US dollars was announced in the Indian infrastructure sector, RBL Bank, and Sammaan Capital.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the aim of the deals on strategic petroleum reserves and the agreement with Abu Dhabi National Oil Company is to strengthen India’s energy security. These arrangements will ensure stable supplies of crude oil and LPG to India and will help cushion the country during future global crises or fluctuations in oil prices.
Under the LPG supply cooperation agreement, the UAE will provide liquefied petroleum gas to India on a long‑term basis. This will help meet India’s domestic gas requirements and, along with bolstering energy security, will also strengthen the economic and strategic partnership between the two countries.
The framework for strategic defence partnership between India and the UAE is aimed at deepening defence‑industry cooperation. Under it, both countries will share defence technology and step up collaboration in areas such as maritime security. This will enhance regional security and further strengthen the strategic relationship between the two nations.
The agreement to establish a ship‑repair cluster at Vadinar will give fresh momentum to India’s maritime and industrial sectors. It will promote the ship‑repair industry, provide a boost to the “Make in India” initiative, and generate employment and investment opportunities at the local level.
Cooperation in skill development for shipbuilding and ship‑repair is aimed at providing modern technical training to Indian youth. This will help create a skilled workforce for India’s shipbuilding and ship‑repair industries.
Under the deal to set up an AI super‑computing cluster in India, a UAE‑based technology company will develop cutting‑edge data‑centre infrastructure and super‑computing capacity in the country. This will accelerate India’s missions in artificial intelligence, research, and digital innovation and open up new possibilities in the technology sector.
The UAE’s announcement of a 5‑billion‑US‑dollar investment in India will provide major support to infrastructure projects. The investment will boost development in roads, ports, energy, and industrial sectors, generate employment opportunities, accelerate economic activity, and strengthen the pace of India’s development.
---------------
Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
