Dubai: India and the United Arab Emirates have agreed to enhance their defence cooperation following the meeting of the Joint Defence Cooperation Committee between the two nations. The committee discussed expanding collaboration in military training, maritime security, and defence industry partnerships, building on the strong bilateral ties already present in trade, investment, and human resource exchange.A key outcome of the meeting was India’s offer to provide customized military training programs tailored to the specific needs of the UAE. Both countries reviewed current training requirements and agreed to develop a dedicated study program as part of the expanded cooperation.The committee also committed to increasing maritime security cooperation, with the UAE affirming its intention to share relevant information to enhance naval collaboration. Industrial and service sector partnerships in the defence domain were also prioritized, including joint ventures and technology sharing.
The meeting took place in New Delhi and marked the first secretary-level session of the Joint Defence Cooperation Committee. It was co-chaired by India’s Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and UAE’s Undersecretary of Defence, Lt. Gen. Ibrahim Nasser Al Alawi.
One of the significant industrial collaborations discussed was between India’s Infrastructure and Construction of Missile and Missile Systems (ICOM) and Caracal, a leading defence company based in Abu Dhabi. The two sides agreed to begin joint production of small arms, enhancing self-reliance and regional defence capability.
Discussions also explored the development of next-generation defence equipment using artificial intelligence (AI) and other advanced technologies.
In a separate milestone, the Indian Coast Guard and the UAE National Guard signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance cooperation in:
• Maritime rescue operations
• Joint search efforts along maritime borders
• Handling marine pollution and maritime security emergencies
Army and Navy officers from both nations participated in extended discussions as part of the joint committee meeting. For the first time, Air Force officials from both countries also engaged in bilateral talks. Discussions focused on joint exercises, training programs, and exchange of expertise between the armed forces.
This growing defence partnership marks a strategic shift in India-UAE relations, ensuring security collaboration evolves alongside their economic and diplomatic engagement.
