In a landmark move to enhance defence cooperation, the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM) signed two Memorandums of Understanding on Defence Industry Cooperation with the Emirates Defence Companies Council (EDCC) and EDGE Group UAE. This significant development took place during the first-ever India-UAE Defence Industry Partnership Forum held in Abu Dhabi on September 18, 2024.
The historic forum, organised by the Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi under the aegis of the Ministry of Defence, Government of India, in coordination with the UAE Ministry of Defence, brought together the defence industries of both nations. The event marked a new chapter in the growing strategic partnership between India and the United Arab Emirates.
Sunjay Sudhir, Ambassador of India to the UAE, delivered the opening address and emphasised the immense potential of India-UAE defence cooperation, noting that this seminar marks the beginning of a long journey ahead. He also spoke about the historical relationship between the two countries and how it has progressed to a comprehensive economic partnership.
Ms. Mona Al Ahmed Al Jaber, Chairperson of the Emirates Defence Companies Council, commented, “We enable local defence companies to connect with global counterparts, fostering collaboration and technological advancement through our participation in national and international defence exhibitions. By highlighting the capabilities and potential of our defence companies, we are not only promoting the UAE’s standing on the world stage but also contributing to the nation’s economic growth and diversification.” Echoing these sentiments, Ms. Mudita Mishra, Deputy Director General of the Ministry of Defence, Government of India, spoke about the prospects for joint production and technology transfer.
The Indian delegation comprised officials from the Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence, along with 50 defence industry representatives from over 25 private and public sector companies. These companies showcased a diverse spectrum of India’s domestic defence manufacturing capabilities, highlighting the country’s growing prowess in the sector.
During the forum, various initiatives and policies of the Indian government to boost the defence manufacturing ecosystem and promote international cooperation were presented to the UAE delegation. The business-to-business discussions focused on identifying areas of convergence between the two countries’ interests. Both delegations held productive and extensive interactions to explore joint ventures and partnerships.
The opening session of the forum saw attendance from high-level officials of both countries. Participants included Brig. General Engineer Ahmad Bin Adi, the Defence Industry Director of the UAE MoD; Muammar Abdulla Abushaheb, the CEO of Tawazun Executive Council; Shareef Hashim Al Hashmi, the CEO of Operations of Tawazun; Mrs. Mona Al Jaber, the Chairperson of Emirates Defence Companies Council (EDCC); and Hamad Al Marar, the MD & CEO of EDGE Group.
The MoUs signed by SIDM with the Emirates Defence Companies Council (EDCC) and EDGE Group UAE represent a significant step forward in defence industry cooperation. These agreements are expected to pave the way for collaboration in several key areas, including the joint development of unmanned systems, co-production of next-generation platforms, and exploration of critical minerals in third countries.
This partnership underscores both nations’ commitment to regional stability and aligns with India’s involvement in the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor. The India-UAE defence relationship has seen tremendous growth since 2014, bolstered by high-level exchanges, joint exercises, and strategic dialogues. Existing agreements, such as the 2003 MoU on defence cooperation and the 2011 security cooperation agreement, have laid a strong foundation for this expanding partnership.
Looking ahead, the two countries are poised to collaborate on joint design and development of UAVs and missiles, engage in deep-tech research and innovation, and pursue co-development and co-production of existing technologies. India has also highlighted its initiatives to boost its defence manufacturing ecosystem, including ease of doing business reforms, FDI liberalisation, and the establishment of two defence corridors.
This strengthened partnership between India and the UAE is expected not only to transform the defence industries of both countries but also to contribute significantly to global peace and stability. As both nations continue to deepen their cooperation in the defence sector, the impact of this collaboration is likely to resonate far beyond their borders, potentially reshaping the landscape of international defence partnerships.
