India Eyes UAE as Key LNG and LPG Supplier Amid Energy Security Push

India is exploring ways to tap into the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as a key source of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), with Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal stating that the discussions come amid India's push for energy security and diversification. The country seeks to strengthen its energy supply chains following disruptions in West Asia.

The proposed cooperation between India and UAE builds on agreements reached during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the UAE in May 2026, covering crude storage, strategic reserves, LNG and LPG infrastructure, and long-term LPG supplies. Under a strategic collaboration agreement, the UAE could potentially store up to 30 million barrels of crude oil in India's strategic petroleum reserves.

The arrangement includes possible participation in storage facilities at Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh and Chandikhol in Odisha, as well as cooperation on LNG and LPG storage facilities in India. ADNOC said the agreement was intended to strengthen energy-security cooperation and improve the resilience of India-UAE energy supply chains.

The UAE has become increasingly important in India's LPG supply mix, with recent shipping-data-based reporting showing UAE LPG supplies to India rising sharply in September while supplies from the United States declined. Indian Oil Corporation and ADNOC have also signed a strategic collaboration agreement to explore expanded LPG trade, including the possibility of a long-term LPG sale and purchase agreement.