India and the UAE signed 6 MoUs to boost their energy, defense shipping and technology ties and announced $5 billion in investment from the Arab nation to India, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi held bilateral talks with President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan during a brief stopover in Abu Dhabi on his way to Europe. Modi reiterated India’s strong condemnation of the attacks on the UAE without naming Iran as he said the way the Gulf state was targeted was unacceptable. Offering all possible support for early restoration of peace, the PM said, “India stands shoulder to shoulder with the UAE in all circumstances and will continue to do so in the future.”While one agreement will allow Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) to potentially increase its crude oil storage in India by 30 million barrels, another MoU is expected to facilitate a long-term LPG sales and purchase agreement between the two countries. A framework for strategic defense partnership with a focus on defense industrial cooperation, innovation and advanced technology, training and exercises was also signed. According to an Indian readout, Modi also conveyed India’s clear position in favor of ensuring safe transit passage and unhindered navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, which is vital for sustainable regional peace and stability as well as energy and food security. Modi left for the United Arab Emirates in the morning while the BRICS foreign ministers’ meeting was still underway and amid efforts by the member countries to bridge the gap between Abu Dhabi and Tehran over the West Asia conflict. Due to these differences and Iran blaming Abu Dhabi for the standoff, the meeting ultimately ended without any joint statement. When Modi visited India in January this year, on his gesture the UAE President also welcomed the PM at the airport. UAE’s F16 jets escorted Modi’s plane to the airport. This was Modi’s 8th visit to UAE as President. According to an Indian readout, the leaders welcomed the announcement of $5 billion investment in India by UAE entities. “This includes an investment of $3 billion by Emirates NBD in RBL Bank of India, $1 billion by Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) with National Infrastructure and Investment Fund of India (NIIF) in priority infrastructure projects in India and $1 billion by International Holding Company in India’s Summon Capital,” the readout said. Referring to the President as his brother, the PM said in a post on Twitter that his visit to the UAE was brief, yet exceptionally fruitful. “And I am confident that the outcome of this visit will further strengthen the bonds of friendship between us and contribute to achieving development and prosperity,” he said. Two other MoUs were signed for ship repair cooperation, which aims to enhance the capabilities of the Indian maritime workforce and establish India as a hub for skilled shipbuilding and ship repair professionals. Another MoU was to facilitate collaboration to set up supercomputing clusters as part of AI Mission India.