New Delhi— In a significant step toward bolstering bilateral military cooperation, India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) convened the 13th Joint Defence Cooperation Committee (JDCC) meeting in New Delhi today, reaffirming their commitment to deepening strategic defence partnerships. For the first time, the meeting was held at the Secretary level, signaling an elevated trajectory of defence collaboration between the two nations.
The meeting was co-chaired by India’s Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh and Lt General Ibrahim Nasser M. Al Alawi, UAE’s Under Secretary of Defense, who is leading a high-level UAE defence delegation on a two-day official visit to India.
Key Highlights of the JDCC 2025:
🔹 Customised Military Training & Capacity Building
Both sides agreed to enhance military training cooperation, with India offering to design tailor-made training programmes suited to the specific requirements of the UAE Armed Forces. The exchange of training doctrines and subject matter expertise was a major focus.
🔹 Maritime Security & Information Sharing
With growing emphasis on Indo-Gulf maritime cooperation, the two nations agreed to deepen cooperation in maritime security through real-time information exchange. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Indian Coast Guard and the UAE National Guard to establish a structured framework for joint efforts in search and rescue (SAR), anti-piracy operations, pollution control, and broader maritime domain awareness.
🔹 Defence Industrial Collaboration
India and the UAE explored avenues for joint defence manufacturing and industrial collaboration, taking cues from the existing ICOMM–CARACAL partnership for small arms production. The discussions also touched upon:
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Co-development of next-generation defence technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI).
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Naval shipbuilding, including refits, upgrades, and maintenance of common maritime platforms.
🔹 Service-to-Service Engagements
Further institutionalizing military diplomacy, both countries conducted the:
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4th Army-to-Army Staff Talks
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9th Navy-to-Navy Staff Talks
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Inaugural Air-to-Air Staff Talks
Held from July 28-29, 2025, these deliberations focused on enhancing military exercises, joint drills, and greater exchange of subject matter experts.
🔹 Upcoming Engagements
The UAE delegation will call on Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Sanjay Seth on July 31, 2025, and participate in the 2nd India-UAE Defence Industry Partnership Forum. This forum will be jointly inaugurated by India’s Secretary Shri Sanjeev Kumar and UAE’s Under Secretary of Defense.
Strategic Backdrop
India and UAE have shared an evolving and robust relationship, bolstered by the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership announced during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s historic 2015 visit to the UAE. The momentum is expected to further accelerate with India’s participation in the Dubai Air Show in November 2025, showcasing India’s growing defence manufacturing capabilities and export potential.
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Source: PIB
