While much attention has focused on the transformation of India-Israel ties under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government, India’s partnership with the United Arab Emirates also has undergone a profound evolution. Amidst ongoing conflict in the Middle East, Modi has maintained communication with Emirati leadership, signaling the strategic nature of their partnership.
After Iran attacked the Emirates with ballistic missiles and drones, Modi declared, “India stands in solidarity with the UAE in these difficult times.” Indeed, India has consistently condemned attacks on Gulf Cooperation Council countries, reaffirming its respect for their sovereignty and territorial integrity.
India has consistently condemned attacks on Gulf Cooperation Council countries, reaffirming its respect for their sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s recent trip to India highlighted the strategic importance of India-Emirati relations. Though brief, the visit was significant, marked by a large delegation and the signing of multiple key agreements. Breaking diplomatic protocol, Modi personally received the Emirati president, a gesture reflecting the value India places on its partnership. Modi has often referred to Sheikh Mohamed as “my dear brother,” a rare gesture he reserves only for leaders with whom he shares a close bond.
During the visit, the two governments signed a letter of intent to establish a defense partnership, enhancing collaboration in defense, security, and joint weapons production, while laying the groundwork for long-term cooperation in advanced technologies.
The growing closeness between New Delhi and Abu Dhabi is also evident in regional strategic dynamics. Following Pakistan’s September 2025 Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement with Saudi Arabia—which treats an attack on one as an attack on both—media and analysts speculated about the emergence of an “Islamic NATO.” Reports suggested that India, Israel, and other nations were exploring counter-options, illustrating the strategic depth of India-Emirati ties.
The United Arab Emirates also has historically invested in Jammu and Kashmir, a region of both strategic and symbolic importance for India. In March 2023, the United Arab Emirates’ Emaar Group laid the foundation for the Mall of Srinagar, a $54 million project expected to create jobs and boost local economic growth, marking one of the first major Emirati investments since the abrogation of Article 370 provisions that had long given Kashmir special status.
The United Arab Emirates has encouraged the transformation in ties. In 2019, the Emiratis awarded Modi its highest civilian honor, the Order of Zayed. In 2024, the Emiratis opened the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi, the largest Hindu temple in the Middle East. Amid the ongoing crisis, the United Arab Emirates remains a stabilizing actor with strong ties to Israel, the United States, and other key regional players.
Today, India-Emirati ties are stronger than ever, while Emirati-Pakistan relations are worsening.
India and the United Arab Emirates also cooperate regionally through initiatives like the India-Israel-United Arab Emirates-Unites States [I2U2] and India-Middle East Economic Corridor initiatives, with the Corridor’s significance growing amid rising geopolitical risks. Iran’s disruption of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and Houthi attacks on oil tankers at the Bab el-Mandeb highlight the vulnerabilities of traditional maritime routes, making strategic cooperation on alternative connectivity corridors urgent for countries in the region.
Modi has changed Abu Dhabi-New Delhi ties. Previously, Indian officials believed that because the United Arab Emirates is a Muslim country, it would always side with Pakistan on Kashmir and other issues. This ideological assumption limited India’s engagement.
Today, India-Emirati ties are stronger than ever, while Emirati-Pakistan relations are worsening. Abu Dhabi recently pressured Pakistan to return $2 billion in financial support, highlighting the shifting regional dynamics and growing dissatisfaction with Pakistan’s stance amid Middle East tensions. India’s position on the Iran war also reflects its partnership with the United Arab Emirates, which has been among the worst-hit countries by Iran’s missiles. India has consistently condemned attacks on Gulf Cooperation Council countries and sponsored a United Nations Security Council Resolution saying the same.
When the Iran war concludes, the trial-by-fire it represents will likely make the Abu Dhabi-New Delhi partnership a pillar upon which the region can build its new security and economic order in the Persian Gulf.
