India has signed a $3 billion liquefied natural gas agreement with the United Arab Emirates, strengthening energy and strategic ties between the two nations. The deal makes India the UAE’s largest LNG customer.
The agreement was concluded during a brief visit to New Delhi by UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. He held talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi focused on trade, energy, and defence cooperation.
Under the deal, ADNOC Gas will supply 0.5 million metric tonnes of LNG each year to Hindustan Petroleum Corporation. The supply contract will run for 10 years.
ADNOC Gas said the agreement lifts the total value of its contracts with India to more than $20 billion. The company described India as a central pillar of its long-term LNG strategy.
India, UAE sign $3 billion LNG deal, agree to boost trade and defence ties at leaders' meeting https://t.co/lYkxA7GB94
— Reuters Asia (@ReutersAsia) January 19, 2026India and the UAE also agreed to expand broader economic cooperation. Leaders pledged to double bilateral trade to $200 billion within six years. The UAE currently ranks as India’s third-largest trading partner.
On the security front, both sides signed a letter of intent to work toward a strategic defence partnership. India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said the move aims to deepen cooperation, not fuel regional conflict.
Misri stressed that defence engagement with Gulf partners does not imply military involvement in regional disputes. He said India remains focused on stability and cooperation.
The discussions took place against a backdrop of shifting defence alignments in the region. India, however, said its partnership with the UAE reflects long-term strategic and economic priorities rather than rivalry dynamics.
Officials from both countries said the agreements mark a significant step toward a deeper, multi-sector partnership built on energy security, trade growth, and regional stability.
