India’s 2026 BRICS Presidency is broadening historically strong oil-related ties with the Gulf into a wider partnership spanning investment, technology, food security, clean energy and regional stability, a report has said.

The report published in a daily published from UAE said energy ties remain the foundation of the relationship at the 18th BRICS Summit, but cooperation is expanding into new strategic areas. During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the UAE this year, both the countries deepened collaboration on crude oil, LNG and LPG, and agreed to increase UAE participation in India’s strategic petroleum reserves and explored strategic gas reserves.

Another area of co-operation is food-security which can link Gulf demand with India’s agricultural and food-processing capabilities. Investment in storage, logistics and reliable supply chains can be explored, the report noted. Highlighting the timing of the event, the report said that regional tensions have renewed attention on energy security, maritime trade and safe shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, while Gulf states diversify their economies, invest in advanced technology and strengthen commercial links with Asia.

The Gulf is represented in the expanded BRICS through Saudi Arabia and the UAE, providing the bloc greater weight in the global energy and finance landscape. India-Gulf ties grew stronger in February this year, when the country signed terms of reference with GCC and formally launched negotiations for a comprehensive free trade agreement, covering Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE.