By Soniya:
India and the United Arab Emirates have signed major energy agreements during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Abu Dhabi on 15 May 2026, strengthening long-term cooperation in oil storage, fuel supply, and strategic energy security.
One of the biggest developments is a proposed agreement allowing the UAE’s Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) to store up to 30 million barrels of crude oil in India under the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) framework. The storage arrangement is expected to include facilities in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, and the proposed reserve site at Chandikol, Odisha.
The deal is being viewed as a significant step toward improving India’s preparedness against global oil supply disruptions, geopolitical tensions, and sudden price shocks. Since India imports most of its crude oil needs, maintaining strategic reserves has become increasingly important for long-term energy stability.
The agreement also includes discussions on LPG supply cooperation and possible reciprocal crude storage arrangements in Fujairah, UAE. Officials believe the partnership will improve supply diversification and provide India with quicker access to emergency crude supplies during global crises.
ADNOC, one of the world’s leading energy companies, is considered a reliable supplier in the global hydrocarbon market. Experts say deeper India-UAE energy cooperation could play an important role in strengthening India’s fuel security and reducing dependence on volatile international markets.
The agreements highlight the growing strategic and economic partnership between India and the UAE, especially in the energy and infrastructure sectors.
