Context:
India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have agreed to strengthen their bilateral defence partnership, especially in maritime security, during the 13th Joint Defence Cooperation Committee (JDCC) meeting held on Wednesday. The decision marks a significant step forward in aligning defence cooperation with the growing strategic and economic relationship between the two nations.
Key Highlights:
- Defence Cooperation Initiatives:
- Agreement to enhance real-time maritime information sharing.
- Commitment to joint defence manufacturing initiatives.
- Military training cooperation to be intensified, with India offering customised training courses for the UAE armed forces.
- Maritime Security MoU:
- An MoU signed between Indian Coast Guard and UAE National Guard.
- Scope includes cooperation in:
- Search and Rescue (SAR)
- Marine pollution response
- Anti-piracy operations
- Other maritime security initiatives
- Recent Defence Sales Offer:
- In April 2025, India offered a range of defence equipment to UAE, including:
- Akash surface-to-air missile systems
- Helicopters and drones
- Subsonic cruise missiles
- Offer was made during the meeting between Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
- In April 2025, India offered a range of defence equipment to UAE, including:
