India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) reaffirmed their growing defense partnership during the 13th Joint Defence Cooperation Committee (JDCC) meeting, which took place in New Delhi on July 30, 2025. Unfolding for the first time at the Secretary level, the meeting was led by India’s Defense Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and UAE’s Under Secretary of Defense, Lt. General Ibrahim Nasser M. Al Alawi.
The dialogue underscored the intent to align defense cooperation with the rapidly expanding relations in commerce, investment, and people-to-people exchanges. A key area of focus was the strengthening of military training programs. India proposed customized training solutions designed to meet the UAE’s strategic needs. Furthermore, both nations committed to improving maritime security through the sharing of real-time data.
The discussions also delved into collaborative avenues, including defense industrial ventures and enhanced Service-to-Service interactions. Notably, India and the UAE explored opportunities to co-manufacture defense equipment, building on the existing collaboration between Indian firm ICOMM and UAE’s CARACAL in small arms production.
Emerging defense technologies were also on the agenda. The two countries identified the potential for co-developing next-gen technologies, especially in Artificial Intelligence. Additional areas under discussion included naval refits, shipbuilding, and upgrading common platforms.
The talks culminated in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Indian Coast Guard and UAE’s National Guard. This agreement lays the groundwork for cooperation in search and rescue missions, counter-piracy operations, pollution control, and broader maritime security initiatives.
In the lead-up to the JDCC, India and UAE also hosted high-level staff talks from July 28–29, covering Army, Navy, and Air Force collaboration. These conversations focused on expanding joint training exercises and expert exchanges.
Lt. General Al Alawi’s delegation will also participate in the 2nd India-UAE Defence Industry Partnership Forum on July 31. The event continues the momentum initiated during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s landmark UAE visit in 2015, with India preparing to showcase its capabilities at the Dubai Air Show in November 2025.
