Industry Odisha Bureau, Sep 12: PM Modi and Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled discussed strategic energy infrastructure, IMEC connectivity and deeper cooperation across defence, AI and critical minerals on the sidelines of BRICS 2026.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi held bilateral talks with Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in New Delhi on Saturday. The meeting focused on new possibilities in strategic energy infrastructure and India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) connectivity.
Broadening the Strategic Partnership
In a post on X, Modi said the two sides discussed advancing their partnership across defence, artificial intelligence, space, critical minerals, energy, food security and connectivity. He noted “immense potential ahead,” pointing to both existing investment ties and emerging opportunities in energy infrastructure.
Modi said India-UAE relations had been transformed in recent years, with both sides now setting even higher ambitions. He described a strong India-UAE relationship as a symbol of stability, prosperity and peace at a time of uncertainty in West Asia.
Reaffirming the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership
According to an official release, the two leaders reiterated the significance of the India-UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, built on political, cultural, commercial, energy and people-to-people ties. The meeting followed a series of high-level exchanges UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan visited India in January 2026, and Modi travelled to the UAE in May 2026.
UAE’s Role in BRICS Chairship
India welcomed the UAE’s active participation in BRICS during India’s chairship of the grouping. Both leaders acknowledged the positive outcomes achieved within BRICS this year and agreed to continue working closely through the platform to advance shared priorities.
The two sides also reviewed progress across defence, space, nuclear energy, technology and innovation cooperation.
A New Sovereign Fund in Focus
The leaders also discussed the potential role of L’Imad, the UAE’s newest sovereign investment fund, in deepening bilateral economic ties. No specific investment commitments were detailed in the readout.
The meeting adds to a growing set of bilateral engagements taking place alongside the BRICS Summit, as India uses its chairship to advance parallel strategic conversations with key partners.
