A Positive Leap: Boosting India UAE Defence Ties for Regional Stability

The strategic partnership between India and the United Arab Emirates has reached a new zenith, with both nations reaffirming their unwavering commitment to bolstering India UAE Defence Ties. The recent 13th meeting of the Joint Defence Cooperation Committee (JDCC) marked a pivotal moment, signaling a deepening of collaboration across various critical defence sectors. Held at the Secretary level for the first time in New Delhi, this gathering underscored the mutual desire for enhanced security and stability in the region and beyond.

Strengthening India UAE Defence Ties Through Key Initiatives

The discussions during the JDCC meeting, co-chaired by India’s Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and UAE’s Under Secretary of Defence Lt General Ibrahim Nasser M Al Alawi, highlighted significant progress and future pathways for the robust India UAE Defence Ties. Both delegations expressed immense satisfaction with the steady advancements in bilateral defence engagements and outlined ambitious plans for future cooperation.

Key outcomes and areas of enhanced cooperation include:

• Customized Military Training Programs:
  • India has proactively offered to design and provide tailored training programs specifically for the UAE Armed Forces, recognizing their unique operational requirements.
  • This initiative is set to significantly enhance the capabilities and interoperability of the UAE’s military personnel.
• Elevating Defence Relations:
  • Both nations are committed to aligning their defence ties with the burgeoning momentum observed in areas such as trade, investment, and people-to-people exchanges.
  • The goal is to foster a comprehensive and multi-faceted strategic partnership.
• Enhanced Maritime Security Cooperation:
  • A crucial area of collaboration, both countries have agreed to expand cooperation in maritime security.
  • This will involve real-time information sharing and coordinated responses to common maritime challenges.
  • Focus areas include anti-piracy operations, search and rescue missions, and marine pollution control.
• Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Maritime Safety:
  • A significant development was the signing of an MoU between the Indian Coast Guard and the UAE National Guard.
  • This agreement specifically aims to bolster cooperation in maritime safety, reinforcing joint efforts in vital areas.
• Deepening Industrial Collaboration:
  • Discussions heavily focused on strengthening defence manufacturing ties, a cornerstone of self-reliance and technological advancement.
  • The successful ICOMM-CARACAL partnership for small arms production was highlighted as a prime example for future joint ventures.
  • Both sides are actively exploring possibilities for co-developing next-generation defence technologies, including cutting-edge Artificial Intelligence applications.
  • Cooperation also extends to shipbuilding, platform maintenance, and critical refits and upgrades.

Preparatory Dialogues for Stronger India UAE Defence Ties

The groundwork for the 13th JDCC meeting was meticulously laid through a series of staff talks that took place from July 28 to 29:

• 4th Army-to-Army Staff Talks: Focused on enhancing joint training and military exercises.
• 9th Navy-to-Navy Staff Talks: Aimed at boosting naval cooperation and expertise exchange.
• Inaugural Air-to-Air Staff Talks: A new frontier for cooperation, emphasizing air force training and Subject Matter Expert (SME) Exchanges.

These preparatory dialogues ensured that the JDCC meeting could effectively address strategic priorities and pave the way for actionable outcomes, further solidifying India UAE Defence Ties.

Future Engagements and Strategic Vision

The UAE delegation’s visit continues with engagements, including a meeting with Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth and participation in the 2nd India-UAE Defence Industry Partnership Forum. This forum, jointly inaugurated by Lt General Al Alawi and Secretary for Defence Production Sanjeev Kumar, is poised to unlock further opportunities for industrial collaboration and innovation.

The strong and growing defence relationship between India and the UAE is fundamentally underpinned by the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership established during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s landmark visit to the UAE in 2015. India’s upcoming participation in the Dubai Air Show in November 2025 is expected to further reinforce this positive momentum, showcasing India’s defence capabilities and fostering deeper engagement within the robust India UAE Defence Ties framework. This unwavering commitment to mutual security and technological advancement promises a future of enhanced stability and prosperity for both nations and the broader region.