Eager to strengthen defence cooperation, co-production projects, and innovation
partnerships: Rajnath Singh
jj correspondent
Rajouri, April 8: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, on Tuesday, met Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defence of the UAE, at South Block in New Delhi.
The two leaders expressed satisfaction over the current defence cooperation facilitated through institutional mechanisms, joint military exercises, and exchange training programs.
Both ministers acknowledged that defence cooperation should be scaled up to match the significant progress made in trade and business, in alignment with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
They identified training exchanges as a key area for enhancing defence cooperation, which would help both nations understand each other’s defence ecosystems and further strengthen bilateral ties.
The leaders expressed satisfaction with the active cooperation between the two countries’ Coast Guards and committed to formalising this partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
They also agreed that closer collaboration between the defence industries should be a vital part of bilateral relations. Emphasising increased cooperation in defence manufacturing, they discussed opportunities for expanding partnerships in this sector.
The ministers welcomed the active participation of both sides in each other’s defence exhibitions and expos. They also endorsed the India-UAE Defence Partnership Forum as a platform with the potential to create strategic joint ventures and co-production projects beneficial to both nations.
Further, they agreed to align efforts through the Make in India and Make it in the Emirates initiatives, recognising the complementarities between the two programmes.
In a post on X following the meeting, Rajnath Singh stated that the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with the UAE is of immense importance to India.
“In the coming years, we are eager to work closely in areas such as defence cooperation, co-production and co-development projects, innovation, and technology. Both India and the UAE are committed to working towards peace and prosperity in the region,” he added.
“Had a productive meeting with the Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy PM and Minister of Defence of the UAE Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum in New Delhi. For India, the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with the UAE is of immense priority.”
