External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar arrived in Abu Dhabi, UAE, on Saturday for a high-level official visit aimed at securing India’s energy supplies and deepening the India-UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership — at a time when the Middle East war is threatening global oil supply chains.
Jaishankar’s visit to the UAE on April 11–12, 2026, is part of a broader diplomatic push by India to safeguard its energy interests as the conflict between the US-Israel alliance and Iran continues to disrupt shipping in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz.
The UAE is one of India’s largest trading partners and a critical supplier of crude oil. The Gulf region provides over 80% of India’s total crude oil imports — making secure ties with UAE a top national priority.
During the visit, Jaishankar is expected to hold discussions on:
✅ Investment flows — with UAE sovereign funds like ADIA investing in Indian infrastructure
✅ Defence cooperation
✅ Energy security and alternative supply routes
✅ People-to-people ties and Indian diaspora welfare
Simultaneously, Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri is visiting other Gulf nations as part of a coordinated energy diplomacy drive — reflecting PM Modi’s personal guidance to proactively strengthen energy partnerships.
With 312 Indian fishermen already safely evacuated from Iran through Armenia, and Indian LPG ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz under risk, this diplomatic outreach is critical for India’s energy stability and the protection of its citizens.
