India and UAE Strengthen Defence Partnership at 13th Joint Defence Cooperation Committee Meeting
India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have taken significant steps to bolster their defense cooperation during the 13th India-UAE Joint Defence Cooperation Committee (JDCC) meeting held in New Delhi on July 30, 2025. This meeting, notable for being conducted at the Secretary level for the first time, was co-chaired by India’s Defence Secretary, Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh, and UAE’s Under Secretary of Defense, Lt General Ibrahim Nasser M. Al Alawi. Both nations are committed to enhancing their defense ties in line with the growing momentum in trade, investment, and social relations.
Strengthening Military Training Cooperation
During the JDCC meeting, India and the UAE emphasized the importance of enhancing military training cooperation. Both sides discussed their specific training requirements, with India offering to provide customized training courses tailored to the needs of the UAE. This initiative aims to ensure that the UAE’s military personnel receive training that aligns with their operational requirements. Additionally, the two countries agreed to collaborate on maritime security, focusing on real-time information sharing to address common security challenges in the region. This cooperation is expected to strengthen their capabilities in safeguarding maritime interests.
Exploring New Avenues for Defense Collaboration
The discussions at the JDCC also included exploring new avenues for defense collaboration. Both nations are keen on establishing defense industrial partnerships and enhancing Service-to-Service engagements. They agreed to pursue joint manufacturing initiatives, drawing inspiration from successful collaborations like the one between ICOMM (India) and CARACAL (UAE) for small arms production. Furthermore, the potential for co-developing next-generation defense technologies, particularly in emerging fields such as Artificial Intelligence, was a key topic. Opportunities in shipbuilding, refits, upgrades, and maintenance of common platforms were also explored, indicating a comprehensive approach to defense collaboration.
Memorandum of Understanding and Upcoming Events
A significant outcome of the JDCC meeting was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Indian Coast Guard and the UAE National Guard. This MoU establishes a framework for enhanced cooperation in various maritime security domains, including search and rescue operations, pollution response, and anti-piracy efforts. In the lead-up to the JDCC, India and the UAE also conducted the 4th Army-to-Army, 9th Navy-to-Navy, and inaugural Air-to-Air Staff Talks from July 28-29, 2025. These discussions focused on enhancing military exercises, training, and the exchange of subject matter experts.
Future Prospects and Strategic Partnership
The UAE delegation is scheduled to meet with India’s Raksha Rajya Mantri, Shri Sanjay Seth, on July 31, 2025, and will participate in the 2nd India-UAE Defence Industry Partnership Forum. This forum will be co-inaugurated by the UAE Under Secretary and India’s Secretary of Defence Production, Shri Sanjeev Kumar. The defense relationship between India and the UAE is robust and continues to grow, supported by the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership established during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the UAE in 2015. India’s upcoming participation in the Dubai Air Show in November 2025 is expected to further enhance this momentum, showcasing the deepening ties between the two nations in the defense sector.
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