Prime Minister Narendra Modi began his six-day, five-nation tour with a high-stakes visit to the UAE as tensions continue to rise across West Asia. In a dramatic gesture, UAE F-16 fighter jets escorted Air India One into Abu Dhabi airspace before PM Modi held crucial talks with UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. With the Strait of Hormuz crisis disrupting global oil and gas supplies, India and the UAE signed major agreements on LPG supplies, strategic petroleum reserves and defence cooperation. The UAE also announced a massive $5 billion investment push into India covering infrastructure, banking and housing sectors.

A major escalation has been reported across the Gulf region as alleged drone and missile activity triggers widespread air defence responses in the United Arab Emirates. According to early reports, multiple aerial threats were intercepted over UAE airspace, while emergency systems were activated across key cities including Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The situation intensified after a reported strike on the Fujairah industrial zone, where a refinery was engulfed in fire following a suspected drone impact. Civil defence teams were immediately deployed to contain the blaze as tensions surged across critical energy infrastructure. Authorities also confirmed that mobile emergency alerts were issued, instructing residents in several regions to remain indoors as precautionary measures were enforced during the unfolding situation. WATCH