India, UAE all set to expand defence ties

Simran Sodhi

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, January 20

India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are all set to upgrade their bilateral relationship to the level of a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during the visit of Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan as the chief guest for the Republic Day next week.

The upgrading of the relationship promises to be far more than being merely symbolic. Sources privy to the developments said India and the UAE would be expanding defence ties with India looking to export defence products to the UAE. Counter-terrorism and intelligence sharing will also be a part of the package. For India, this is a significant movement in strategic terms since the UAE has traditionally been looked upon as an ally of Pakistan.

Reliance Defence Limited has signed a pact with Emirates Defence Industries Company, a leading integrated defence company in the UAE. Both of them are now exploring opportunities to jointly manufacture defence vehicles and equipment.

PM Narendra Modi visited the UAE in 2015 and his visit is looked upon as having played a major role in giving a boost to the relationship. A marching contingent from the UAE armed forces will also take part in the R-Day parade.