PM Modi’s flight gets F-16 escort in Abu Dhabi: WATCH

India and the UAE are expected to firm up two significant pacts on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and strategic petroleum reserves during the visit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was escorted by F 16 fighter jets over the UAE airspace as he reached Abu Dhabi on Friday. He was accorded a ceremonial Guard of Honour upon landing, marking the start of a high-stakes five-nation diplomatic tour amid disruptions in Gulf shipping routes and surging energy prices that have also hit India’s economy.

Modi began his five-nation tour heading to the United Arab Emirates before Europe. A UAE minister described Modi as a “key figure of friendship,” with Reem Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Co-operation, saying the two countries’ relationship was “growing from strength to strength.”, The National reported.

#WATCH | Prime Minister Narendra Modi being accorded a guard of honour, as he lands in Abu Dhabi, UAE, on the first leg of his 5-nation visit.

(Video Source: DD) pic.twitter.com/WQbb3SkgD1

— ANI (@ANI) May 15, 2026

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According to PTI, India and the UAE are expected to firm up two significant pacts on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and strategic petroleum reserves during the visit. Officials also said both sides have been exploring alternatives to bypass the Strait of Hormuz, including routing Indian oil shipments through the Port of Fujairah in the Gulf of Oman.

JUST IN: 🇦🇪🇮🇳 UAE F-16 fighter jets escort Indian Prime Minister Modi over its airspace. pic.twitter.com/ExHH2lJuUW

— BRICS News (@BRICSinfo) May 15, 2026

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President Sheikh Mohamed paid a visit to New Delhi, during which he held talks with PM Modi, with the two leaders reviewing efforts to deepen cooperation spanning technology, artificial intelligence, the economy, and food security. The two leaders also witnessed the exchange of agreements and letters of intent aimed at strengthening bilateral ties.

As per the schedule, PM Modi will also travel to the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, and Italy as part of the May 15–20 tour. The visit to Norway will be the first by an Indian prime minister in 43 years, according to PTI. In Oslo, Modi will attend the third India-Nordic Summit alongside leaders from Denmark, Finland, Iceland, and Sweden.

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