Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to the United Arab Emirates on May 15 is expected to focus on strengthening India’s energy security as tensions in West Asia raise concerns over global oil and gas supply routes.
According to reports, Modi’s stopover in Abu Dhabi was added later to his broader Europe tour as worries grew over possible disruptions in the region.
The Prime Minister is expected to hold talks with UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on securing long-term crude oil, LNG, and LPG supplies for India. Discussions are also likely to include alternative export routes that avoid the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.
A major focus area is expected to be deeper cooperation around the Fujairah Petroleum Industries Zone on the Gulf of Oman. India is reportedly exploring the possibility of increasing oil and LPG imports from Fujairah, which lies outside the Strait of Hormuz and is considered a safer route.
Both countries may also discuss expanding the Fujairah oil terminal and improving pipeline connectivity from Abu Dhabi’s Habshan oil fields.
The visit comes shortly after the UAE accused Iran-backed groups of targeting Fujairah’s oil infrastructure using drones and missiles. PM Modi had condemned the attack and stressed the importance of ensuring safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz for global energy stability.
Energy cooperation remains a key pillar of India-UAE relations. The UAE currently supplies nearly 40 per cent of India’s LPG needs and is among the country’s leading suppliers of crude oil and LNG.
The two sides are also expected to review cooperation on India’s strategic petroleum reserves, including crude oil storage by Abu Dhabi National Oil Company at the Mangaluru facility.
Talks are also expected to cover trade, investment, and the welfare of around 4.5 million Indians living in the UAE.