Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said India is ready to provide “all possible support” to restore peace in West Asia, during his talks with UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi amid rising tensions in the region.
The meeting was held soon after Modi arrived in the UAE on the first leg of his five-nation tour, which will also take him to the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway and Italy.
Modi says India is ready to provide support
In his opening remarks during the bilateral meeting, Modi condemned the recent attacks targeting the UAE amid the ongoing US-Israeli conflict over Iran.
“We have condemned the attacks on the UAE,” Modi said, adding that “the way the UAE was targeted is unacceptable.”
The Prime Minister also praised the Gulf state’s response to the crisis, saying: “The way the UAE has dealt with the current situation with restraint deserves praise.”
Highlighting the broader global impact of the conflict in West Asia, Modi said: “India is ready to provide all possible support to bring peace to West Asia.”
Focus on energy cooperation
The visit also witnessed the signing of multiple strategic agreements, including a deal to supply liquefied petroleum gas, aimed at mitigating the impact of the ongoing conflict on energy supplies. India and the UAE also signed a memorandum of understanding on strategic oil reserves.
These agreements come at a time when tensions in West Asia have intensified concerns over oil supplies, the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, and competing geopolitical alliances that include Israel and Iran.
A warm welcome to Prime Minister Modi in Abu Dhabi
The UAE leadership held an official reception ceremony for the Indian Prime Minister upon his arrival in Abu Dhabi. Modi was personally received at the airport by Al Nahyan, and was given a guard of honour.
In a special gesture, UAE military aircraft accompanied the plane carrying the Prime Minister before it landed.
Later, Modi thanked the UAE President for the reception in a social media post.
“I look forward to our discussions aimed at strengthening India-UAE relations in key sectors, such as energy, investment, supply chains and others,” he said.
