India–UAE Strategic Defence Partnership Takes Shape After Landmark Modi–MBZ Summit

 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomes UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan during his official visit to New Delhi for bilateral talks on strategic defence cooperation.


India and the United Arab Emirates marked a major milestone in their bilateral relationship on January 19, as the two nations signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) to establish a comprehensive Strategic Defence Partnership framework. The agreement was formalised during UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s official visit to New Delhi, underscoring the deepening trust and expanding scope of India–UAE cooperation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally received the UAE President at the airport, a gesture reflecting the warmth and importance attached to the visit. The leaders later held extensive bilateral talks at the Prime Minister’s official residence, 7 Lok Kalyan Marg, during what Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri described as an “extremely substantive” three-hour summit.

Strategic Defence Partnership Framework Finalised



One of the most significant outcomes of the summit was the formalisation of the India–UAE Strategic Defence Partnership framework through the Letter of Intent. This agreement lays the foundation for joint defence manufacturing, technology transfers, co-development of military platforms, and enhanced private-sector collaboration.

The framework aligns closely with India’s “Make in India” and defence indigenisation goals, while offering UAE access to India’s growing defence industrial base and innovation ecosystem. It signals a shift from traditional buyer–seller dynamics toward long-term strategic co-production and knowledge sharing.

Broader Defence and Security Convergence

India and UAE Sign Strategic Defence Partnership | Modi–MBZ Summit



During the bilateral talks, both leaders strongly condemned cross-border terrorism, reaffirming their shared commitment to holding perpetrators, supporters, and financiers accountable. This convergence on counter-terrorism reflects growing security coordination between New Delhi and Abu Dhabi, particularly amid evolving regional and global security challenges.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri highlighted that the discussions were marked not only by strategic depth but also by warm personal gestures and mutual respect, reinforcing the political trust that underpins the expanding defence partnership.

Expanding Cooperation Beyond Defence

The defence agreement was part of a wider set of Letters of Intent signed during the visit, reflecting the multi-dimensional nature of India–UAE relations. These included enhanced space cooperation between India’s IN-SPACe and relevant UAE agencies, covering launch sites, satellites, joint missions, training, and institutional collaboration.

The leaders also welcomed UAE investment participation in Dholera’s mega infrastructure projects, including the international airport, greenfield port, aircraft Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facilities, smart township development, and integrated rail–energy connectivity.

Trade, CEPA, and Economic Momentum

Prime Minister Modi and President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed also reviewed bilateral trade and investment trends, with Foreign Secretary Misri highlighting the positive impact of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) on commerce volumes. Since its implementation, CEPA has accelerated two-way trade, reduced barriers, and strengthened supply-chain integration between the two economies.

Both leaders emphasised the need to scale up the partnership for sustained growth, particularly in the context of shifting global economic dynamics, energy transitions, and technological transformation.

Cultural, Scientific, and Regional Cooperation

Beyond economics and defence, the summit reflected a shared commitment to cultural and scientific collaboration. Prime Minister Modi expressed gratitude for the UAE President’s support in providing artifacts for the upcoming National Maritime Heritage Complex at Lothal, a project aimed at showcasing India’s ancient maritime legacy.

The leaders also agreed to advance polar science cooperation, including joint expeditions, research partnerships, and institutional linkages. Additionally, they exchanged views on West Asia’s regional situation, reiterating their commitment to promoting peace, security, and prosperity through dialogue and cooperation.

A Partnership Rooted in History, Focused on the Future

India and the UAE have cultivated a vibrant and forward-looking partnership, blending centuries-old trade connections with modern collaboration in energy, defence, technology, and infrastructure. The January 19 summit, marked by strategic clarity and personal warmth, further elevated this relationship.

With the Strategic Defence Partnership framework now in place, India–UAE ties are poised to enter a new era of military-industrial cooperation, economic resilience, and regional stability, reinforcing both nations’ roles as key partners in an increasingly complex global landscape.

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