India on Monday expressed strong concern over a drone attack on the Barakah nuclear facility in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), calling the strike “unacceptable” and a “dangerous escalation.”
In an official statement, the Ministry of External Affairs urged restraint and emphasised the need for a return to dialogue and diplomacy.
“India is deeply concerned at the attack targeting the Barakah nuclear facility in the UAE. Such actions are unacceptable and represent a dangerous escalation. We urgently call for restraint and a return to dialogue and diplomacy,” the statement read.
Reports indicate that the drone strike caused a fire at the plant’s perimeter, but there were no injuries or radiological releases. While the UAE has not explicitly blamed any party, it has accused Iran of carrying out multiple drone and missile attacks in recent days amid rising regional tensions.
The USD 20 billion Barakah nuclear plant, constructed with South Korean assistance, went online in 2020 and is the first and only nuclear power plant in the Arab world. It is capable of supplying around a quarter of the UAE’s energy needs.
India’s reaction is notable as Prime Minister Narendra Modi had visited the UAE last week, during which he condemned recent attacks on the country. Modi also reaffirmed India’s support for secure passage through the Strait of Hormuz, essential for regional stability and global energy and food security.
Earlier this month, the prime minister had condemned the attacks on the UAE that led to injuries to three Indian nationals. He affirmed India’s firm solidarity with the UAE and reiterated support for the peaceful resolution of all issues through dialogue and diplomacy.
India and the UAE share a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership spanning energy, trade, investment, defense, security, fintech, infrastructure, education, culture, and people-to-people ties. The UAE plays a key role in India’s energy security, including supplies of crude oil, LNG, and LPG. Bilateral trade has surged under the India–UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
Over 4.5 million Indians live in the UAE, making it the largest expatriate community in the country.