Prime Minister Narendra Modi has embarked on a six day visit to UAE, Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, and Italy this morning. On the first leg of his five nation visit, Mr Modi will reach UAE today, where he will meet the President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
The two leaders will exchange views on bilateral issues, in particular energy cooperation, as well as regional and international issues of mutual interest.
They will also discuss ways to advance the bilateral Comprehensive Strategic Partnership underpinned by strong political, cultural, economic and people-to-people links. Energy security is expected to remain a central theme of the engagement.
Briefing the media prior to the visit, Additional Secretary (West) in the Ministry of External Affairs, Aseem Mahajan, said energy remains a key pillar of the relationship. He noted that the UAE was India’s fourth-largest source of crude oil last year, meeting around 11 percent of India’s requirement.
He added that Indian firms have secured long-term LNG contracts with Abu Dhabi National Oil Company Gas, totalling about 4.5 million metric tonnes per annum. According to him, India is now the largest buyer of LNG from the UAE.