India and UAE Forge Stronger Ties with Key MoUs in Nuclear Energy and Petroleum

India and the UAE signed various significant Memoranda of Understandings (MoUs) during the official visit of Sheikh Khalid bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, on sectors such as nuclear energy and petroleum, marking a new milestone in their historic relationship.

During the official visit of Sheikh Khalid bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, India and the UAE on Monday signed several significant Memoranda of Understandings (MoUs), paving the way for cooperation between the two nations in sectors like nuclear energy and petroleum. An MoU was signed between Emirates Nuclear Energy Company (ENEC) and Nuclear Power Cooperation of India Limited (NPCIL) for the operation and maintenance of the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in the UAE.

Additionally, an agreement for long-term LNG supply between Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) and Indian Oil Corporation Limited was signed, according to a press release from the Ministry of External Affairs. Other MoUs include one between ADNOC and India Strategic Petroleum Reserve Limited (ISPRL); a Production Concession Agreement for Abu Dhabi Onshore Block 1 between Urja Bharat and ADNOC; and an MoU between the Government of Gujarat and Abu Dhabi Developmental Holding Company PJSC (ADQ) on the development of food parks in India.

Notably, Sheikh Khaled bin Zayed Al Nahyan arrived in New Delhi on September 8 for his first official visit to India. Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, welcomed the Crown Prince, who was also accorded a ceremonial reception upon his arrival in the national capital.

'A new milestone in a historic relationship. His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Zayed Al Nahyan arrived in Delhi on his first official visit to India. Warmly received by @CimGOI @piyushgoyal and accorded a ceremonial welcome,' MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal posted on X. 'India and UAE share historically close and friendly ties. In recent years, the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and UAE has deepened in various areas including politics, trade, investment, connectivity, energy, technology, education, and culture,' added the Ministry of External Affairs.

'The Crown Prince's visit will further strengthen the robust India-UAE bilateral relations and open avenues for partnership in new and emerging areas,' the ministry noted. Earlier in February, PM Modi visited the UAE, holding discussions with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on bilateral relations and witnessing the exchange of eight agreements. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)