Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh welcomed His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, during a meaningful meeting at South Block, New Delhi. The engagement reflected the shared commitment of both nations to deepen and strengthen their growing defence partnership.
During their discussion, the two leaders expressed satisfaction with the current level of defence cooperation, which includes structured institutional mechanisms, joint military exercises, and ongoing exchange programmes for training. Acknowledging the strong momentum in other areas such as trade and business, they agreed that defence cooperation must now match that pace, guided by the shared vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
Training exchanges were identified as a key area to foster better understanding of each country’s defence ecosystem, paving the way for stronger and more resilient military ties. Both sides also expressed appreciation for the active collaboration between their Coast Guards and committed to formalising this through a dedicated Memorandum of Understanding, signalling a long-term approach to maritime security and cooperation.
The meeting also highlighted the growing potential for industrial collaboration in defence manufacturing. The leaders underlined the importance of building strategic joint ventures, exploring co-production and co-development projects, and increasing participation in each other’s defence expos. Initiatives like Make-in-India and Make-in-Emirates were seen as natural complements, offering fertile ground for innovation, technological exchange, and shared growth.
In a message shared on social media following the meeting, Shri Rajnath Singh reaffirmed that the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with the UAE holds great importance for India. He emphasized India’s eagerness to work closely with the UAE in areas like defence innovation and technology, with a broader aim of contributing to regional peace and prosperity.
With a long-standing bond rooted in history, culture, and commerce, India and the UAE continue to nurture a partnership that evolves with time. This meeting was not only a reaffirmation of mutual trust but also a forward-looking step toward building a safer, more collaborative future for both nations.
