India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) held an important meeting in New Delhi to further strengthen defense cooperation. This meeting took place under the strategic defense partnership framework between the two countries. The meeting was co-chaired by Amitabh Prasad, Joint Secretary (International Cooperation) in the Ministry of Defence, and Jamal Ibrahim Mohammed Ibrahim Al Marzooqui, Brigadier on Staff of the UAE.
What issues were discussed in the meeting?
During the meeting, both sides discussed enhancing defense industry cooperation, development of new technologies, promotion of new technology and use of special defense technologies. Apart from this, special emphasis was also given on strengthening maritime security in view of the increasing challenges in the Indian Ocean region. Both countries agreed to pursue joint projects and technical cooperation in the defense sector.
Defense and security relations between India and UAE have steadily strengthened in recent years. This meeting is being considered an important step towards giving a new direction to the strategic partnership of the two countries.
UAE eyes BrahMos
India’s BrahMos supersonic cruise missile is currently making waves in the global defense market. India, once counted among the world’s largest arms buyers, is now on its way to becoming a major arms exporter on the basis of BrahMos. More than 14 countries of the world are standing in the queue to buy this missile, which also includes UAE.
UAE is in constant talks with India to strengthen its maritime and air security. ​China’s increasing aggression is a big reason behind this huge demand for BrahMos. China’s neighboring countries are scared of its military activities in the South China Sea and the Indo-Pacific region.
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