UAE, India agree on formalizing defense pact, $200B trade deal: What to know |
The United Arab Emirates and India signed a letter of intent on Monday to work toward a Strategic Defense Partnership, which would mark a major boost in the already strong relations between the two countries.
What happened: The letter of intent was signed during a two-hour visit by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to New Delhi, during which he held talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on bilateral relations and ways to enhance cooperation in fields including energy, trade and technology, according to the official Emirati news agency, WAM.
The letter paves the way for the two countries to eventually sign a framework agreement that would further deepen bilateral cooperation in the defense field.
Why it matters: Defense ties between the UAE and India have strengthened recently, marked by Indian Army Chief Gen. Upendra Dwivedi’s official visit to Abu Dhabi earlier this month, with the aim to deepen military cooperation and strategic dialogue.
In December 2025, the two countries’ armies took part in joint military exercises in the........