Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and ADNOC Managing Director and Group CEO, addressed delegates at India Energy Week 2026 on January 27, emphasizing the importance of long-term partnerships in navigating energy sector volatility.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Al Jaber outlined three major trends shaping global energy demand: the growth of emerging markets, the expansion of artificial intelligence infrastructure, and energy systems transformation. He noted that global oil demand is projected to remain above 100 million barrels per day through 2040, while both liquefied natural gas and electricity demand are expected to increase by 50 percent or more.
The ADNOC chief highlighted India's position as the world's third largest energy consumer, projecting that the country's air travel will grow by 150 percent and data center capacity will increase tenfold over the next 15 years. He stressed that meeting demand at this scale requires investment across all forms of energy, warning that underinvestment poses a greater risk than oversupply.
Dr. Al Jaber described the UAE-India energy relationship as strategic and dependable. India currently serves as ADNOC's number one LNG market, while ADNOC is India's largest LPG supplier and continues to provide crude oil, chemicals, and feedstocks to Indian refiners.
On the technology front, ADNOC has deployed more than 200 AI tools and 65 robotics applications across its operations, including what it describes as the world's first agentic AI system for the energy sector. The company reports that AI integration has reduced unplanned shutdowns by half.
The address also touched on ADNOC's international expansion through XRG, its energy investment arm, which is developing a global gas portfolio and chemicals platform. Through ALTÉRRA, described as the world's largest private climate investment vehicle, the UAE has committed to investments totaling 11 gigawatts across wind, solar, and battery storage projects in India.
Dr. Al Jaber noted that bilateral trade between the UAE and India is projected to double to $200 billion by 2032. The UAE has signed 35 Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements in the past three years, including its first with India, and attracted more than $45 billion in foreign direct investment in 2025.
Addressing investors and partners, Dr. Al Jaber positioned the UAE as offering stable returns, good governance, and rule of law. He concluded his remarks by inviting global partners to collaborate on future energy development.
The India Energy Week gathering brings together industry leaders, policymakers, and investors to discuss energy security, transition pathways, and market developments.