India–UAE Relations Scale New Heights with Strategic Defence and Space Pacts

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PM Narendra Modi welcomes UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in New Delhi during bilateral talks on strategic defence partnership.


India and the United Arab Emirates took a major step forward in defence cooperation with the signing of a Letter of Intent (LoI) establishing a Strategic Defence Partnership framework during UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s official visit to New Delhi on January 19. The agreement marked one of the most significant outcomes of the three-hour bilateral summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the UAE President.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri described the discussions as “extremely substantive,” underscoring the strategic depth and growing trust between the two countries.

Warm Reception and High-Level Engagements

India and the UAE signed a strategic defence partnership Letter of Intent during UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s visit, strengthening military, space, trade and geopolitical cooperation.



Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally received UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan at the airport, a gesture reflecting the close personal rapport between the two leaders. The official talks were later held at the Prime Minister’s residence at 7 Lok Kalyan Marg, where the leaders reviewed the full spectrum of bilateral ties.

Foreign Secretary Misri highlighted that although the visit was short, it was marked by warm personal gestures and meaningful outcomes, reinforcing the strength of the India–UAE strategic relationship.

Defence Cooperation Enters a New Phase

India–UAE Sign Strategic Defence Partnership During MBZ Visit



The Strategic Defence Partnership framework formalised through the LoI covers a wide range of cooperation areas, including joint defence manufacturing, technology transfers, co-development of military platforms, and private sector participation.

The agreement reflects both nations’ intent to move beyond buyer-seller dynamics toward a long-term, industrial and innovation-driven defence partnership. It also aligns with India’s push for self-reliance in defence manufacturing and the UAE’s ambition to expand its advanced defence ecosystem.

Shared Stance on Security and Terrorism

During the talks, Prime Minister Modi and President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed strongly condemned cross-border terrorism, reaffirming their commitment to hold perpetrators, supporters, and financiers accountable.

The discussions also reflected a shared vision for regional stability and global security, particularly amid evolving geopolitical challenges. The UAE President also endorsed India’s successful BRICS chairmanship in 2026, highlighting the growing convergence in global and multilateral platforms.

Expanding Cooperation Beyond Defence

Beyond defence, the summit yielded multiple Letters of Intent across emerging and strategic sectors. These include enhanced space collaboration between India’s IN-SPACe and the UAE’s space agency, covering launch sites, satellite cooperation, joint missions, training, and institutional partnerships.

The leaders also agreed on deeper polar science cooperation, including shared expeditions and research collaboration, reflecting their focus on advanced scientific engagement.

Trade, Investment and CEPA Gains

Prime Minister Modi and President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed reviewed bilateral trade dynamics, with Foreign Secretary Misri noting the positive impact of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) on trade volumes and commercial engagement.

Both leaders emphasised the need to scale up the partnership for sustained growth, particularly in the context of shifting global economic conditions.

UAE Investment in Dholera Mega Projects

A major highlight of the visit was the UAE’s expanded interest in India’s Dholera Special Investment Region. The discussions covered UAE participation in mega infrastructure projects, including an international airport, greenfield port, aircraft maintenance and repair (MRO) facilities, smart township development, and integrated rail and energy connectivity.

These investments reinforce the UAE’s role as a long-term development partner in India’s infrastructure and industrial growth story.

Cultural and Maritime Heritage Collaboration

Prime Minister Modi expressed gratitude to the UAE President for supporting India’s maritime heritage initiatives by providing artifacts for the upcoming National Maritime Heritage Complex at Lothal. The gesture symbolised the shared civilisational links rooted in centuries-old maritime trade between the two nations.

A Partnership Built for the Future

The leaders also reviewed developments in West Asia, reaffirming their commitment to promoting peace, security, and prosperity in the region. The summit reaffirmed that the India–UAE relationship is no longer limited to traditional cooperation but is evolving into a comprehensive, future-oriented strategic partnership.

With defence, space, trade, technology, and infrastructure cooperation advancing in parallel, the Modi–MBZ summit underscored the maturity and momentum of one of India’s most trusted strategic partnerships.

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