PM Modi’s G7 Diplomacy: Strengthening Ties with the UK and UAE

On the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Evian, France, Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in high-stakes bilateral discussions with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan (MbZ). These meetings come at a critical juncture for global security and bilateral economic cooperation, marking a significant moment for India’s multilateral diplomacy.

Accelerating the India-UK Economic Partnership

During his meeting with PM Keir Starmer on June 16, 2026, Prime Minister Modi emphasized the "outstanding" progress in bilateral relations over the past year. A central pillar of their discussion was the momentum required to operationalize the Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which was signed in July 2025 after years of intensive negotiations. While the deal has laid the groundwork for economic cooperation, its full implementation remains the priority for both nations.

The political context in the UK adds a layer of complexity to these talks, as PM Starmer faces domestic political challenges, including a crucial by-election on June 18. Despite this, the Labour government has made concerted efforts to reset and renew ties with India, particularly in fostering connections with the influential Hindu British diaspora. Notably, the leaders also addressed regional stability, acknowledging the recent US-Iran peace deal and advocating for the freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz without tolls—a vital artery for global energy security.

Deepening Strategic and Energy Ties with the UAE

Prime Minister Modi also held productive talks with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan (MbZ) to further strengthen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. These discussions follow a significant expansion in security and defense cooperation established during their May meeting. Given the volatile security situation in West Asia following the conflict that began in late February 2025, the stability of the India-UAE relationship is more crucial than ever.

A major highlight of the bilateral relationship remains energy security. The UAE has committed to assisting India in building its strategic reserves of oil, LNG, and LPG. This cooperation, underpinned by the 2022 trade deal, provides India with a critical buffer against global energy market fluctuations. Furthermore, PM Modi expressed gratitude to the UAE leadership for their continued support regarding the welfare and safety of the vast Indian expatriate community residing in the Emirates.

The geopolitical backdrop of these meetings is marked by significant shifts in the Middle East. With Iran's recent activities affecting regional stability, the discussions between India and the UAE underscored the importance of mutual defense and regional equilibrium. As India seeks to balance its relationships in a multi-polar world, the growing closeness with the UAE—especially in the context of Pakistan’s evolving defense ties with Saudi Arabia—positions India as a central player in the strategic architecture of the Indian Ocean and West Asia.

What It Means for India