ISLAMABAD: On January 19 2026 during UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin ZayedAl Nahyan’s visit to New Delhi Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the UAEleader signed a significant Letter of Intent to develop a comprehensiveStrategic Defence Partnership Framework. This move amid deepening bilateralties elevates defence cooperation to match rapid progress in trade energyand technology sectors. The agreement signals India’s growing strategicfootprint in the Gulf while addressing shared concerns over regionalstability security and counter-terrorism in an evolving geopoliticallandscape.
The salient features of the Letter of Intent include commitments to advancedefence manufacturing joint innovation cyber security military training andcounter-terrorism collaboration. Building on the Comprehensive StrategicPartnership since 2015 the LoI aims to establish a formal framework forco-development and technology transfer. It emphasizes indigenouscapabilities reflecting India’s push for self-reliance in defence and theUAE’s ambitions to diversify its military procurement beyond traditionalWestern suppliers.
Maritime security remains a priority area with ongoing efforts to enhancereal-time information sharing between naval and coast guard forces.Previous agreements such as the MoU on maritime safety signed in 2025during the 13th Joint Defence Cooperation Committee meeting provide afoundation. These cover search and rescue anti-piracy operations and marinepollution response protecting critical energy and trade routes in theIndian Ocean and Persian Gulf.
Defence industrial collaboration forms a core element with discussions onco-production shipbuilding platform upgrades and emerging technologies likeartificial intelligence. Successful models such as the ICOMM-CARACALpartnership for small arms production serve as blueprints. The LoI opensavenues for joint ventures in next-generation systems fostering technologytransfers and innovation sharing to support mutual strategic autonomy.
Analysts highlight the LoI as a natural evolution of India-UAE relationsdriven by converging economic and security interests. Experts note italigns with India’s outreach to Gulf states for diversified partnershipsand the UAE’s Vision 2031 for defence modernization. The trajectory pointstoward accelerated implementation of joint projects increased exercises andexpanded cooperation in cyber and space domains enhancing resilienceagainst common threats.
Future prospects appear robust with potential for a full Strategic DefencePartnership agreement in coming years. Bilateral trade targets of 200billion dollars by 2032 and agreements in LNG supply advanced nucleartechnologies and space infrastructure complement defence ties. High-levelengagements including recent military visits underscore sustained momentumtoward proactive technology-driven security collaboration.
Some observers speculate whether this deepening engagement subtly countersthe Pakistan-Saudi Arabia Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement signed inSeptember 2025 which includes mutual aggression clauses. That pact raisedconcerns in strategic circles about shifting Gulf alignments and potentialimplications for South Asian security dynamics. However analysts emphasizethat India-UAE cooperation focuses on economic technological andnon-binding frameworks rather than explicit collective defence commitmentsavoiding direct confrontation.
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The LoI reflects independent strategic calculations by both nationsprioritizing mutual benefits over reactive positioning. India maintainsstrong ties with Saudi Arabia through energy trade and joint exerciseswhile the UAE balances relations across partners. This approach contributesto regional stability amid complexities including Middle East tensions andIndo-Pacific challenges.
Overall the India-UAE defence trajectory underscores a mature partnershiprooted in shared interests and innovation. As both countries navigatevolatile geopolitics this cooperation is poised to promote stabilitythrough enhanced capabilities and dialogue setting positive precedents forsimilar engagements in the broader region.
Source:https://www.businesstoday.in/india/story/india-uae-set-200-billion-trade-target-as-ties-deepen-across-defence-energy-space-key-details-511576-2026-01-19
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