India and UAE Sign Historic Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement
On September 9, 2024, a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for cooperation in the civil nuclear energy sector. This landmark agreement took place during the visit of Sheikh Khalid bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, to New Delhi. The MoU was formalized between India’s Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) and the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC), which manages the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant.
This agreement marks a significant milestone in bilateral relations, as both countries had previously agreed to cooperate in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy. During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the UAE in August 2015, discussions were initiated regarding collaboration in the fields of nuclear safety, health, agriculture, and advanced science and technology. However, this is the first time a formal agreement has been reached between the two nations for civil nuclear energy cooperation.
Expanding UAE’s Investment in Nuclear Energy
The MoU aligns with the UAE’s broader strategy of diversifying its energy portfolio and increasing investments in the nuclear sector. The agreement underscores the UAE’s commitment to energy security and sustainable development through the adoption of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. The Barakah Nuclear Power Plant, the first operational nuclear plant in the Arab world, stands as a symbol of the UAE’s ambitions in this regard. With this agreement, India and the UAE have set a precedent for deepening ties in strategic areas of energy cooperation.
Years of Diplomacy Leading to Trilateral Cooperation
The newly signed MoU is the result of several years of diplomatic discussions between the two nations, which culminated in a trilateral cooperation framework involving India, the UAE, and France. On September 19, 2022, the foreign ministers of these three nations met on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, laying the groundwork for future collaborations. A subsequent phone call between the ministers on February 4, 2023, further advanced discussions, particularly in the realm of energy cooperation. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that the trilateral initiative aims to foster joint projects, with a specific focus on solar and nuclear energy.
LNG Supply and Strategic Partnerships
In addition to the civil nuclear MoU, the visit of the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi also resulted in the signing of other key agreements. A significant MoU was signed between the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) and the Indian Oil Corporation Limited for long-term Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) supply, further strengthening energy ties between the two nations. Another agreement between ADNOC and India Strategic Petroleum Reserve Limited (ISPRL) was also inked, emphasizing the importance of energy security for India.
Further collaboration was highlighted with the signing of a Production Concession Agreement for Abu Dhabi Onshore Block 1 between Urja Bharat and ADNOC, marking another significant achievement in energy cooperation. Additionally, an MoU was signed between the Government of Gujarat and Abu Dhabi Developmental Holding Company PJSC (ADQ) for the development of food parks in India, showcasing a broadening of bilateral collaboration beyond energy.
Strengthening Strategic Ties: India, UAE, and the GCC
The agreements signed during the Crown Prince’s visit reflect the dynamic nature of India-UAE relations. This visit coincided with the first-ever India-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Foreign Ministers’ meeting in Riyadh, which took place from September 8-9. During the meeting, India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, emphasized the crucial role of the GCC in global energy supply, while highlighting India’s growing energy demand.
As part of the I2U2 grouping, which includes India, Israel, the UAE, and the United States, both countries have been working on ambitious projects, such as the establishment of food parks in Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh. The MoU signed during this visit for food parks development in Gujarat is seen as an extension of this initiative, further solidifying the UAE’s role as a key partner in India’s development plans.
A New Chapter in India-UAE Relations
The agreements signed during Sheikh Khalid bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s visit to India mark a new chapter in the relationship between the two nations. The MoU on civil nuclear energy cooperation, in particular, opens doors to further collaborations in advanced technology, energy security, and sustainable development. As both countries continue to strengthen their strategic partnership, this agreement serves as a testament to the growing importance of India-UAE relations on the global stage.