During Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the United Arab Emirates, both sides agreed on a framework for a strategic defense partnership, Reuters reported on May 15. They also signed agreements covering strategic petroleum reserves and the supply of liquefied petroleum gas.

This is the first stop of Modi's five-nation tour, which includes visits to the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway and Italy. India is facing pressure from rising energy costs linked to the Middle East crisis, which have strained the rupee and foreign exchange reserves, prompting a push to strengthen energy security and deepen trade partnerships.