India and UAE Sign Landmark Civil Nuclear Energy Agreement

India and the UAE have signed a significant Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for civil nuclear cooperation during Sheikh Khalid bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s visit to New Delhi. The deal, involving the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) and the Emirates Nuclear Energy Company (ENEC), marks a historic step in bilateral relations and reflects a commitment to peaceful nuclear energy utilization.

Details of the Agreement

Significance: This is the first MoU of its kind between NPCIL and ENEC, aimed at enhancing cooperation in nuclear power plant operations, maintenance, and investment opportunities. It also covers knowledge sharing and expertise in nuclear energy development.

Historical Context: The agreement builds on a 2015 understanding between India and the UAE to cooperate on the peaceful use of nuclear energy, including safety and technological advancements.

Additional Agreements

LNG Supply: A 15-year agreement between Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) and Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) will see a supply of one million metric tonnes per annum (MMTPA) from ADNOC’s lower-carbon Ruwais gas project.

Strategic Petroleum Reserves: A MoU will enhance UAE’s participation in India’s strategic petroleum reserves, allowing ADNOC to store crude oil in India and reinforcing energy security.

Crude Oil Production: The production concession agreement for Abu Dhabi Onshore Block 1 will enable Urja Bharat, a joint venture between IOCL and Bharat Petro Resources Ltd, to bring crude oil to India.

Food Park Development: A MoU between the Gujarat government and Abu Dhabi Developmental Holding Company (ADQ) will develop a food and agriculture park in Gujarat by 2025.

Future Initiatives

Virtual Trade Corridor (VTC): A soft launch of the India-UAE virtual trade corridor and the MAITRI interface is planned, part of the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).

Business Forum: Sheikh Khaled will attend the India-UAE Business Forum in Mumbai to discuss future cooperation.

Diplomatic Engagement

High-Level Meetings: Sheikh Khaled’s visit included meetings with Indian leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu, highlighting the deepening bilateral ties and mutual appreciation of the large Indian diaspora in the UAE.