India, UAE sign civil nuclear energy agreement

India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have recently signed a series of significant agreements, including one in the civil nuclear energy sector. This agreement was part of a broader set of five memoranda of understanding (MoUs) inked during the visit of Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to New Delhi on September 9, 2024.

One of the key agreements is between the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation and the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited. This MoU focuses on cooperation in nuclear energy development, specifically outlining frameworks for the exchange of expertise and operational knowledge related to nuclear energy. Additionally, it covers aspects related to the operation and maintenance of the Barakah nuclear power plant in the UAE, which has recently commenced operations for its fourth reactor【

Beyond nuclear energy, the agreements also encompass long-term supplies of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and crude oil. The Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) and Indian Oil Corporation Limited signed a long-term LNG supply deal, while ADNOC also expanded an existing oil storage agreement with Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserve Limited】.

These agreements highlight the strengthening ties and expanding cooperation between India and the UAE in various sectors, including energy security and sustainable development