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18 Mar 2026·Source: The Indian Express
4 min
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Ritu Singh|International
International RelationsPolity & GovernanceNEWS

India Condemns UAE Attack, PM Modi Discusses Maritime Security

PM Modi condemns recent attack on UAE, emphasizes secure navigation through strategic waterways.

UPSC●SSC

Quick Revision

1.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned a recent attack on the UAE.

2.

PM Modi held a virtual meeting with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

3.

Discussions focused on ensuring safe and secure navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea.

4.

India reiterated its commitment to supporting the UAE against terrorism.

5.

Maritime security is highlighted as crucial for economic stability.

6.

PM Modi visited West Asia in February.

Key Dates

February (PM Modi's visit to West Asia)

Visual Insights

Key Maritime Routes and India's Strategic Interests

This map highlights the critical maritime chokepoints – the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea – central to the recent discussions between PM Modi and UAE President. It shows the geographical context of India's energy security and trade routes, emphasizing the region's instability.

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📍Strait of Hormuz📍Red Sea📍United Arab Emirates (UAE)📍Iran📍India

Mains & Interview Focus

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The recent attack in the UAE and subsequent discussions between Prime Minister Modi and President Al Nahyan underscore the critical fragility of West Asian security. India's swift condemnation and emphasis on maritime safety reflect a pragmatic shift in its regional engagement, moving beyond traditional non-alignment to active stakeholder diplomacy.

The Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea are indispensable arteries for global energy and trade. Disruptions in these choke points, whether from state-sponsored proxies or non-state actors, directly threaten India's energy security and economic stability. India imports over 80% of its crude oil, with a significant portion transiting these waters.

Delhi's firm stance against terrorism and its commitment to regional stability are not merely rhetorical. India has consistently advocated for a rules-based international order, and any challenge to freedom of navigation is a direct affront to this principle. This proactive engagement contrasts sharply with earlier, more cautious approaches to regional conflicts.

Unlike some global powers that might view West Asia primarily through a security lens, India's approach integrates economic, diaspora, and strategic interests. The substantial Indian diaspora in the UAE, numbering over 3.5 million, further necessitates a robust and responsive foreign policy. India's participation in multilateral initiatives like I2U2 demonstrates a willingness to forge new partnerships for regional stability.

Sustained high-level dialogue and joint naval exercises will be crucial in deterring future aggressions and ensuring the uninterrupted flow of commerce. India must continue to leverage its growing economic and diplomatic heft to shape a more secure and predictable maritime environment in West Asia, protecting its vital national interests.

Exam Angles

1.

GS-2 International Relations: India's foreign policy in West Asia, bilateral relations with UAE, maritime security cooperation.

2.

GS-3 Security: Challenges to maritime security, counter-terrorism strategies, energy security implications.

3.

Geography: Strategic importance of global maritime choke points like Strait of Hormuz and Red Sea.

View Detailed Summary

Summary

The Indian Prime Minister recently spoke with the UAE President to condemn a recent attack in their country. They also discussed how important it is to keep shipping routes safe through key areas like the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea, as this is vital for global trade and economic stability. India assured its support to the UAE against terrorism.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a virtual meeting with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, strongly condemned the recent attack on the UAE. The two leaders engaged in extensive discussions covering regional and global issues, with a particular emphasis on ensuring safe and secure navigation through critical maritime passages such as the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea. This dialogue underscored the shared commitment to maintaining stability in a strategically vital region.

During the high-level interaction, PM Modi unequivocally reiterated India's unwavering commitment to supporting the UAE in its fight against terrorism, highlighting the deep bilateral cooperation in counter-terrorism efforts. He further emphasized the indispensable role of robust maritime security in fostering economic stability and growth, not only for both nations but also for the broader global economy that relies heavily on these trade routes.

This engagement underscores India's proactive diplomacy in West Asia, its strategic interest in safeguarding critical maritime trade routes for energy and commerce, and its commitment to regional stability. Such discussions are highly relevant for UPSC Mains GS-2 (International Relations) and Prelims (Current Events) as they reflect India's foreign policy priorities and its role as a responsible global actor.

Background

भारत और संयुक्त अरब अमीरात (UAE) के बीच संबंध ऐतिहासिक रूप से मजबूत रहे हैं, जो व्यापार, ऊर्जा और भारतीय प्रवासियों की बड़ी संख्या पर आधारित हैं। हाल के वर्षों में, यह संबंध एक व्यापक रणनीतिक साझेदारी में विकसित हुआ है, जिसमें रक्षा, सुरक्षा और आतंकवाद विरोधी सहयोग शामिल है। दोनों देश खाड़ी क्षेत्र में स्थिरता और सुरक्षा के साझा हित रखते हैं, जो वैश्विक ऊर्जा आपूर्ति और व्यापार मार्गों के लिए महत्वपूर्ण है। होर्मुज जलडमरूमध्य और लाल सागर दुनिया के सबसे महत्वपूर्ण समुद्री चोकपॉइंट्स में से हैं। होर्मुज जलडमरूमध्य फारस की खाड़ी को ओमान की खाड़ी से जोड़ता है, और यह वैश्विक तेल व्यापार का लगभग एक-पांचवां हिस्सा वहन करता है। लाल सागर, स्वेज नहर के माध्यम से भूमध्य सागर से जुड़ा हुआ, एशिया और यूरोप के बीच एक महत्वपूर्ण समुद्री मार्ग है। इन मार्गों की सुरक्षा भारत की ऊर्जा सुरक्षा और व्यापार हितों के लिए अत्यंत महत्वपूर्ण है, क्योंकि भारत अपनी ऊर्जा आवश्यकताओं का एक बड़ा हिस्सा खाड़ी देशों से आयात करता है। इस क्षेत्र में किसी भी प्रकार की अस्थिरता या समुद्री सुरक्षा का उल्लंघन वैश्विक अर्थव्यवस्था और विशेष रूप से भारत जैसे प्रमुख आयातकों के लिए गंभीर परिणाम ला सकता है। इसलिए, भारत और यूएई दोनों के लिए इन समुद्री मार्गों की सुरक्षित और अबाधित आवाजाही सुनिश्चित करना एक साझा प्राथमिकता है, जो उनकी आर्थिक समृद्धि और क्षेत्रीय शांति के लिए आवश्यक है।

Latest Developments

पिछले कुछ वर्षों में, खाड़ी क्षेत्र में भू-राजनीतिक तनाव और सुरक्षा चुनौतियाँ बढ़ी हैं, जिनमें ड्रोन और मिसाइल हमलों के साथ-साथ समुद्री डकैती की घटनाएँ भी शामिल हैं। इन घटनाओं ने होर्मुज जलडमरूमध्य और लाल सागर जैसे महत्वपूर्ण समुद्री मार्गों की भेद्यता को उजागर किया है, जिससे वैश्विक व्यापार और ऊर्जा आपूर्ति पर खतरा मंडरा रहा है। भारत ने इन चुनौतियों पर चिंता व्यक्त की है और क्षेत्रीय भागीदारों के साथ मिलकर समुद्री सुरक्षा बढ़ाने के प्रयासों का समर्थन किया है। भारत ने अपनी 'एक्ट वेस्ट' नीति के तहत खाड़ी देशों, विशेष रूप से यूएई के साथ अपने संबंधों को गहरा किया है। दोनों देशों ने 2022 में एक व्यापक आर्थिक साझेदारी समझौता (CEPA) पर हस्ताक्षर किए, जिसका उद्देश्य द्विपक्षीय व्यापार को बढ़ावा देना है। सुरक्षा के मोर्चे पर, भारत और यूएई नियमित रूप से संयुक्त सैन्य अभ्यास करते हैं और खुफिया जानकारी साझा करते हैं, जो आतंकवाद और समुद्री खतरों का मुकाबला करने के लिए उनकी प्रतिबद्धता को दर्शाता है। भविष्य में, भारत और यूएई समुद्री डोमेन जागरूकता, साइबर सुरक्षा और आतंकवाद विरोधी अभियानों में सहयोग को और मजबूत करने की योजना बना रहे हैं। यह सहयोग न केवल द्विपक्षीय संबंधों को मजबूत करेगा बल्कि हिंद महासागर क्षेत्र में एक अधिक स्थिर और सुरक्षित वातावरण बनाने में भी योगदान देगा, जो भारत की 'सागर (SAGAR)' (क्षेत्र में सभी के लिए सुरक्षा और विकास) नीति के अनुरूप है।

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why is India so concerned about an attack on the UAE and maritime security in the Gulf, beyond just bilateral ties?

India's concern stems from its vital strategic and economic interests in the Gulf region, which go beyond just its strong bilateral relationship with the UAE.

  • •Energy Security: A significant portion of India's oil and gas imports pass through these waterways, making secure navigation critical.
  • •Trade: The Gulf region is a major trade partner for India, and stable, secure maritime routes are crucial for global supply chains and India's economic prosperity.
  • •Diaspora: A large Indian diaspora resides in the UAE and other Gulf countries, whose safety, well-being, and economic stability are paramount for India.
  • •Regional Stability: Instability or conflict in the Gulf directly impacts India's security and economic prospects, given its proximity and deep linkages.

Exam Tip

Remember that India's foreign policy often balances economic interests (energy, trade) with strategic concerns (diaspora, regional stability). For Mains, always link current events to these broader national interests.

2. What specific geographical facts about the Strait of Hormuz and Red Sea are important for Prelims, given their mention in the context of maritime security?

For Prelims, it's crucial to know their locations, the bodies of water they connect, and the key countries bordering them, as these are frequent testing points.

  • •Strait of Hormuz: This narrow strait connects the Persian Gulf (also known as the Arabian Gulf) with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. It is bordered by Iran to the north and Oman (specifically its Musandam Governorate) to the south. It is one of the world's most critical chokepoints for global oil shipments.
  • •Red Sea: This sea connects the Indian Ocean (via the Bab-el-Mandeb strait and the Gulf of Aden) to the Mediterranean Sea (via the Suez Canal). Key countries bordering the Red Sea include Egypt, Sudan, Eritrea, Djibouti, Saudi Arabia, and Yemen. It is a vital route for East-West maritime trade.

Exam Tip

UPSC often asks about countries bordering these straits or the larger bodies of water they connect. Use a physical map to visualize and remember these details, as it helps avoid common confusions.

3. How does India's condemnation of the UAE attack and emphasis on maritime security align with its 'Act West' policy?

India's 'Act West' policy is a strategic initiative to strengthen its engagement with West Asian countries, focusing on economic, strategic, and security cooperation. The recent discussions perfectly fit this framework.

  • •Strategic Partnership Reinforcement: The strong condemnation of the attack reinforces India's unwavering commitment to its strategic partnership with the UAE, which is a cornerstone of the 'Act West' policy.
  • •Counter-Terrorism Cooperation: Supporting the UAE in its fight against terrorism directly aligns with the security dimension of the 'Act West' policy, which emphasizes counter-terrorism efforts.
  • •Regional Stability: Ensuring safe and secure maritime passages in the Gulf is crucial for regional stability, a core objective of India's broader engagement in West Asia under 'Act West'.
  • •Economic Interests: Secure trade routes and energy supplies, vital for India's economy, are directly supported by the maritime security focus, furthering the economic objectives of the 'Act West' policy.

Exam Tip

When asked about foreign policy initiatives like 'Act West' or 'Act East', always link current events to their broader objectives (economic, strategic, security) and how they contribute to India's national interests.

4. What is the 'SAGAR' initiative, and how is it relevant to India's discussions on maritime security in the Gulf region?

SAGAR stands for 'Security and Growth for All in the Region', a vision articulated by PM Modi for India's maritime cooperation and strategy.

  • •Holistic Approach: SAGAR emphasizes a cooperative and inclusive framework for maritime security, encompassing capacity building, economic cooperation, disaster management, and sustainable use of marine resources.
  • •Regional Reach: While primarily focused on the Indian Ocean Region, the principles of SAGAR extend to ensuring security and stability in adjacent vital waterways like the Gulf, which are crucial for India's extended maritime interests.
  • •Shared Responsibility: The discussions with the UAE on safe navigation and counter-terrorism align perfectly with SAGAR's ethos of shared responsibility among regional partners for a secure, stable, and prosperous maritime domain.

Exam Tip

Remember the full form of SAGAR and its core principles. It's not just about military security but also economic, environmental, and humanitarian aspects. UPSC often tests the comprehensive nature of such initiatives.

5. What are the main challenges to maritime security in the Gulf region that India and UAE are addressing, and what are India's stakes?

The Gulf region faces a complex web of security threats that directly impact global trade and energy supply, making it a critical area for India's strategic interests.

  • •Drone and Missile Attacks: Recent years have seen an increase in drone and missile attacks targeting oil facilities and commercial shipping, raising the vulnerability of critical infrastructure and maritime traffic.
  • •Piracy and Armed Robbery: Although efforts have reduced its prevalence, piracy, particularly in the Gulf of Aden and surrounding areas, remains a persistent threat to merchant vessels.
  • •Geopolitical Tensions: Rivalries between regional and extra-regional powers, coupled with proxy conflicts, contribute to an unstable security environment, potentially disrupting shipping lanes.
  • •Threats to Freedom of Navigation: Ensuring unimpeded passage through critical chokepoints like the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea is paramount for global commerce and energy flow, which are often threatened by regional disputes.

Exam Tip

For Mains, when discussing challenges, always categorize them (e.g., state-sponsored, non-state actors, geopolitical) and link them to India's specific interests (economic, energy security, diaspora safety, regional influence).

6. What kind of 'recent attack' on the UAE is being referred to, and why is India's strong condemnation significant now?

The 'recent attack' refers to drone and missile attacks that have occurred in the Gulf region, impacting the UAE. India's strong condemnation is significant due to both immediate and broader strategic reasons.

  • •Solidarity with a Strategic Partner: India's unequivocal condemnation demonstrates its unwavering support for the UAE, a key strategic partner and friend, in its fight against terrorism and threats to its sovereignty.
  • •Commitment to Regional Stability: It signals India's deep commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the Gulf, a region vital for its economic and security interests, and underscores the shared concern over escalating tensions.
  • •Consistent Counter-Terrorism Stance: The condemnation reiterates India's consistent and firm position against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, aligning with its global efforts to combat terror.
  • •Interconnected Security: By linking the condemnation to discussions on maritime security, India highlights the interconnectedness of land-based attacks and the safety of critical sea lanes, emphasizing a holistic approach to regional security.

Exam Tip

When a question asks 'why now' or 'significance,' consider both immediate triggers (the specific attack) and broader strategic implications (India's foreign policy, regional role, and long-term interests).

7. What is the significance of ensuring 'safe and secure navigation' through the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea for India's economy?

Ensuring safe and secure navigation through these critical maritime passages is paramount for India's economy, as they are lifelines for its energy security and international trade.

  • •Energy Imports: A substantial portion of India's crude oil and natural gas imports, vital for its industrial and domestic needs, transits through the Strait of Hormuz from the Gulf producers.
  • •Trade Routes: The Red Sea, connected to the Suez Canal, is a key artery for trade between India and Europe, North America, and parts of Africa. Any disruption here can significantly increase shipping costs and transit times.
  • •Global Supply Chains: India is deeply integrated into global supply chains. Disruptions in these chokepoints can lead to delays, increased costs, and shortages of goods, impacting various sectors of the Indian economy.
  • •Economic Stability: The stability of these routes directly influences global oil prices and trade flows, which in turn affect India's inflation, balance of payments, and overall economic growth.

Exam Tip

When analyzing the economic impact of international events, always consider the '3 Ts': Trade, Transit (shipping routes), and Tourism (though less relevant here). Focus on how disruptions affect prices, supply, and overall economic growth.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding the recent virtual meeting between Prime Minister Modi and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan: 1. The leaders discussed regional and global issues, with a focus on ensuring safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea. 2. Prime Minister Modi reiterated India's commitment to supporting the UAE against terrorism. 3. The meeting primarily focused on economic cooperation and trade agreements, with security discussions being secondary. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  • A.1 only
  • B.2 only
  • C.1 and 2 only
  • D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer

Answer: C

Statement 1 is CORRECT: The summary explicitly states that the leaders discussed regional and global issues, focusing on ensuring safe and secure navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea. Statement 2 is CORRECT: Prime Minister Modi indeed reiterated India's commitment to supporting the UAE against terrorism. Statement 3 is INCORRECT: While economic stability was mentioned in the context of maritime security, the primary focus of the discussion, as per the summary, was on condemning the attack, regional/global issues, and maritime security, with India's commitment to supporting UAE against terrorism being a key point. Economic cooperation was not stated as the primary focus, nor were security discussions secondary.

2. Which of the following statements correctly describes the geographical significance of the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea for global trade and energy security? 1. The Strait of Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Sea and is a major chokepoint for global oil shipments. 2. The Red Sea, connected to the Mediterranean Sea via the Suez Canal, serves as a vital maritime link between Asia and Europe. 3. Disruptions in these waterways primarily affect only the West Asian economies, with minimal impact on global supply chains. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

  • A.1 only
  • B.2 only
  • C.1 and 2 only
  • D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer

Answer: C

Statement 1 is CORRECT: The Strait of Hormuz is indeed a crucial chokepoint connecting the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Sea (and further to the Gulf of Oman), through which a significant portion of the world's oil supply passes. Statement 2 is CORRECT: The Red Sea, linked to the Mediterranean Sea by the Suez Canal, is a vital maritime route facilitating trade and transport between Asia and Europe. Statement 3 is INCORRECT: Disruptions in these critical waterways have a profound impact on global supply chains, energy prices, and international trade, affecting economies worldwide, not just West Asian ones. India, for instance, is heavily dependent on these routes for its energy imports.

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Ritu Singh

Foreign Policy & Diplomacy Researcher

Ritu Singh writes about International Relations at GKSolver, breaking down complex developments into clear, exam-relevant analysis.

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