India and United Arab Emirates sign Strategic Defence Partnership and USD 5 billion investment pacts on 15 May 2026

Key facts

• Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserves Limited (ISPRL) and Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) signed a Strategic Collaboration Agreement to increase United Arab Emirates (UAE) participation in India's strategic petroleum reserves to 30 million barrels.
• The UAE pledged USD 5 billion in investments, including USD 1 billion for infrastructure through the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) and National Infrastructure & Investment Fund (NIIF).
• Emirates New Development Bank (ENBD) will invest USD 3 billion in RBL Bank, and the International Holding Company (IHC) will invest USD 1 billion in Sammaan Capital.
• A Framework for the Strategic Defence Partnership was signed to strengthen bilateral cooperation in defence industrial collaboration, innovation, maritime security, and cyber defence.
• The two nations agreed to establish a ship repair cluster in Vadinar, Gujarat, and signed an arrangement between Indian Oil Limited (IOCL) and ADNOC for long-term Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) supplies.