(Image source from: Indiatoday.in)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to make a quick stop in the United Arab Emirates in May during his trip to four European countries. This visit is anticipated to take about three to four hours and comes at a time when diplomatic ties between New Delhi and Abu Dhabi are strengthening, especially with important changes happening in global energy markets. This stop is particularly noteworthy as it follows a visit by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, often known as MBZ, to India in January. Additionally, India's National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar both visited the UAE in April, showing the growing engagement.

In 2022, PM Modi went to the UAE to express his sympathies after the death of the former UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and he had discussions with Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan about enhancing trade, investments, tech collaboration, and regional security, while also strengthening their personal relationship. The timing of this visit is significant because the UAE plans to exit OPEC and OPEC+ starting May 1. These groups have traditionally played a major role in affecting global oil prices through their output strategies. Any changes involving the UAE are likely to be closely monitored by key energy importers like India. For New Delhi, which is trying to broaden its sources of crude oil due to worldwide uncertainties, shifts in the UAE’s energy strategy could open up new possibilities for pricing, supply agreements, and long-term partnerships.

In addition to energy, the brief visit could involve talks on regional security, investment streams, food networks, cooperation in digital payments, and the ongoing progress under the India-UAE free trade agreement.