India signs $3 billion LNG deal with UAE, becomes top customer

India on Monday signed a $3 billion agreement to purchase liquefied natural gas from the United Arab Emirates, making India the UAE’s largest LNG customer, as the two countries’ leaders met to strengthen trade and defence ties.

The deal was signed during a brief two-hour visit to India by UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who held talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Under the agreement, Abu Dhabi state firm ADNOC Gas will supply 0.5 million metric tons of LNG per year to India’s Hindustan Petroleum Corp for 10 years. ADNOC Gas said the contract increases the total value of its LNG agreements with India to over $20 billion.

During the visit, Modi and Sheikh Mohammed pledged to double bilateral trade to $200 billion over the next six years and signed a letter of intent to explore a strategic defence partnership. India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said the partnership does not imply Indian involvement in regional conflicts.

The UAE is India’s third-largest trading partner. Sheikh Mohammed’s delegation included senior officials, including the defence and foreign ministers. The visit coincides with Pakistan’s defence agreements with Saudi Arabia and ongoing discussions on a potential three-way security pact with Turkiye.

ADNOC Gas described India as a key part of its LNG strategy, reflecting growing energy and strategic ties between the two nations.