ABU DHABI: India and the United Arab Emirates are seeking closer cooperation between their defence industries following a forum in Abu Dhabi that brought together government officials and companies from both countries to discuss joint development, manufacturing and technology partnerships.
The third India–UAE Defence Industry Forum was held on September 15. The Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM) said it brought a 26-member Indian industry delegation to the event, reflecting growing interest among Indian companies in partnerships with UAE firms.
Company representatives held bilateral meetings on opportunities in manufacturing, research and development, advanced technologies and supply chains, according to the Emirates News Agency. Indian firms also presented their capabilities and areas of interest to potential UAE partners.
The discussions build on a Strategic Defence Partnership Framework signed by the two governments in May. India’s ambassador to the UAE, Deepak Mittal, said at the forum that the relationship was moving towards deeper industrial collaboration and joint development. The two sides are seeking to connect India’s “Make in India” programme with the UAE’s “Make it in the Emirates” strategy.
For both countries, the question now is whether those discussions lead to specific projects. The accounts released by the forum’s organisers described meetings and areas for potential cooperation, but did not announce a new production contract or agreement signed at the event.
The forum followed talks between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on September 12, when defence was among the strategic sectors they discussed. Modi and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan spoke again on September 18 about measures to deepen cooperation, including in defence, energy, technology and investment, according to the Indian Prime Minister’s Office. (Source: gulfnews)
