India-UAE Bolster Strategic Ties at BRICS Summit; Focus Shifts to Massive Investment Projects

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Khaled bin Mohamed held high-level discussions on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in New Delhi this Saturday, reaffirming the deepening strategic alignment between India and the United Arab Emirates. With the UAE serving as a critical partner in the Gulf region, the meeting addressed both economic expansion and the preservation of regional stability amidst the volatile geopolitical climate stemming from the ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran.

Crown Prince Khaled, attending the summit on behalf of UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed, engaged with PM Modi to map out a trajectory for enhanced cooperation. Their discussion touched upon key sectors including defense, artificial intelligence, aerospace, and critical minerals, signaling an intent to transition from traditional trade relationships toward high-tech and industrial integration.

Leveraging Sovereign Capital for Growth

A significant portion of the dialogue was dedicated to the role of Emirati sovereign wealth, specifically the newly established fund, L’Imad. Both leaders underscored the potential for this fund to act as a catalyst for large-scale infrastructure and industrial projects across India.

The conversation also highlighted the significant commitment made by the International Holding Company (IHC) to spearhead a $11.5 billion greenfield aluminium venture in Odisha. This project, a joint initiative involving Adani Enterprises Limited, is viewed as a cornerstone for India’s ambition to become a global manufacturing powerhouse. By fostering a 50-50 partnership in this massive undertaking, the UAE is positioning itself as a primary stakeholder in India’s industrial transformation, which is expected to revitalize the economic landscape of Odisha.

A Stabilizing Force in a Volatile Region

As the situation in West Asia remains uncertain, PM Modi characterized the India-UAE partnership as a vital pillar of “stability, prosperity, and peace.” With over four million Indian expatriates residing in the Emirates, the Indian government has prioritized consistent diplomatic engagement with UAE leadership to ensure both the safety of the diaspora and the security of vital energy supply chains.

The summit provided a timely platform to reinforce these ties, following a series of high-level visits between the two nations earlier this year. Both leaders praised the efficacy of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which has served as a framework for accelerating bilateral trade since its signing in 2022.

Expanding the Horizons of Cooperation

Beyond economics, the meeting focused on future-ready sectors. Innovation in nuclear energy, space exploration, and emerging technologies were identified as areas of mutual interest. The leaders also discussed the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), noting that progress on such connectivity projects remains a top priority to facilitate smoother trade routes and logistical efficiency.

PM Modi expressed appreciation for the UAE’s robust participation in the BRICS summit under India’s presidency. The leaders concluded by affirming their intent to work in tandem within the multilateral bloc, ensuring that the voice of the Global South remains influential in global decision-making processes. As both nations continue to raise their diplomatic ambitions, the synergy between New Delhi and Abu Dhabi appears set to play a decisive role in shaping the economic contours of the region in the coming decade.

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