Modi gets military aircraft escort, says 'India stands shoulder-to-shoulder with UAE'

Indian Prime Minister Modi has concluded a significant visit to the UAE, marked by a rare military aircraft escort and a declaration of India standing 'shoulder-to-shoulder' with the Gulf nation. During the visit, both countries formalized agreements spanning critical sectors, including strategic defense cooperation, the establishment of petroleum reserves, and the assurance of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) supply. This burgeoning alliance is crucial for India as it seeks to bolster its energy security, diversify its strategic partnerships beyond traditional Western blocs, and project its influence in the Indo-Pacific. For the UAE, strengthening ties with India, a rapidly growing economy and a major energy consumer, aligns with its ongoing efforts for economic diversification away from solely hydrocarbon revenues, while enhancing its regional security architecture amidst broader Middle East instabilities. The pacts collectively signal a deepening strategic alignment between two rising global powers, impacting global energy markets and the evolving geopolitical landscape.