Modi, UAE Crown Prince discuss investment push, strategic cooperation at BRICS summit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Saturday discussed ways to expand the India-UAE strategic partnership, with investment, energy infrastructure and cooperation in emerging technologies featuring prominently in their talks on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in New Delhi.

The meeting came as tensions continue to escalate across West Asia amid the ongoing US-Iran conflict. The UAE is one of India's key strategic partners in the region, making the leadership-level engagement particularly significant at a time of uncertainty.

Modi said the two sides discussed taking their partnership forward across defence, artificial intelligence, space, critical minerals, energy, food security and connectivity.

"From investment ties to new possibilities in strategic energy infrastructure and IMEC connectivity, there is immense potential ahead," Modi said in a social media post after the meeting.

The Prime Minister described India-UAE relations as a symbol of stability, prosperity and peace amid uncertainty in West Asia, saying both countries were raising their ambitions after transforming bilateral ties over the past several years.

UAE sovereign fund L’Imad seen as key to investment expansion

A major focus of the discussions was the potential for greater investment by UAE-based entities, including L’Imad, the Emirates' newest sovereign investment fund.

The two leaders acknowledged that L’Imad could play an important role in taking India-UAE economic cooperation to a higher level. The Ministry of External Affairs said the fund could contribute to further deepening the bilateral partnership for mutual benefit.

The discussions also highlighted the UAE's major investment commitments in India. The country's International Holding Company (IHC) has announced an $11.5 billion investment in an integrated greenfield aluminium project in Odisha.

International Resources Holding, an IHC group company, and Adani Enterprises Limited signed an initial pact with the Odisha government for the project in July. IHC and Adani Enterprises are expected to hold equal 50% stakes in the joint venture.

The project is being positioned as a major addition to Odisha's industrial and aluminium ecosystem, with the state government describing the investment as one of its largest industrial projects. The proposed development will cover activities including bauxite mining, alumina refining, aluminium smelting and downstream production.

The investment push has gained further momentum this month, with Odisha separately engaging UAE investors across sectors including aluminium, rare earths, logistics, chemicals, renewable energy and infrastructure.

Defence, space, nuclear energy and technology also discussed

Beyond investments, Modi and Crown Prince Khaled reviewed opportunities to expand cooperation in strategic and emerging sectors.

The talks covered defence, space, nuclear energy, technology and innovation. Modi also referred to opportunities in strategic energy infrastructure and connectivity through the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor.

The two sides are seeking to broaden their partnership beyond traditional areas such as trade and energy, with critical minerals, artificial intelligence and advanced technologies increasingly becoming part of the bilateral agenda.

The India-UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership is underpinned by strong political, commercial, energy, cultural and people-to-people ties, according to the government's readout of the meeting.

West Asia tensions add significance to India-UAE engagement

The meeting took place against the backdrop of the continuing West Asia conflict, with India closely engaged with UAE leadership on regional developments.

New Delhi has also been focused on ensuring the continued supply of energy and the safety and well-being of more than four million Indians living in the UAE.

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan visited India in January, while Modi travelled to the UAE in May. The latest meeting between Modi and Crown Prince Khaled continues the pattern of frequent high-level engagement between the two countries.

The UAE has also remained an active participant in BRICS under India's presidency. Modi appreciated Abu Dhabi's participation in the grouping, while both leaders welcomed the positive outcomes achieved within BRICS and agreed to continue working closely through the bloc.

The two sides said they would use BRICS to advance shared interests and priorities and further strengthen cooperation within the grouping.

With India seeking greater foreign investment and the UAE expanding its economic footprint in the country, the Modi-Khaled meeting underscored the growing importance of investment, strategic infrastructure and emerging technologies in the next phase of the bilateral relationship.