India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have taken a major step to strengthen their relationship. The new India-UAE defence pact moves the partnership from simple deals to a deeper strategic defence partnership focused on security. Experts say this shows both countries are ready to address key regional challenges in West Asia.
The pact was signed during UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s visit to New Delhi in January 2026. It is part of a larger package of agreements covering defence, energy, space, technology, and investment. The deal also supports plans to increase bilateral trade to $200 billion by 2032.
The agreement aims to improve cooperation in many areas. These include joint defence projects, advanced technology, training, military exercises, cybersecurity, and counter-terrorism cooperation. Both nations want to move beyond occasional military contacts to a regular and structured partnership.
West Asia’s security situation influenced the deal. India faces challenges such as energy price changes, maritime security risks, and the safety of its diaspora. For the UAE, the pact helps diversify military partnerships and gain access to modern defence technology.
The countries also agreed to strengthen financial measures to fight terrorism. Both condemned terrorism and will work together under the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) to stop terror financing and improve anti-money laundering efforts.
The pact also links defence to economic projects like the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). This shows both countries want to protect key trade routes, infrastructure, and supply chains.
For India, the pact gives a bigger role in regional security, especially in maritime safety, cyber threats, drone warfare, and terrorism. For the UAE, it offers opportunities to co-develop military technology and secure defence supply chains.
Experts say this is not a formal military alliance. Instead, it is a strategic alignment built to work in a complex and changing regional environment. India can now be a trusted partner in West Asia without getting involved in conflicts.
The India-UAE defence pact marks a new phase. It strengthens security, defence cooperation, and long-term partnership between the two countries. Both countries are now working toward long-term strategic security alignment.
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