India Defence News, New Delhi, April 8, 2025 – Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh held a significant meeting with Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Deputy Prime Minister & Minister of Defence of the UAE, at South Block in New Delhi on April 8, 2025. The high-level talks underscored the deepening strategic partnership between India and the UAE, focusing on enhancing defence cooperation and fostering mutual growth.
Boosting Strategic Defence Collaboration
During the delegation-level discussions, both leaders expressed satisfaction with the growing momentum in India-UAE defence ties.
Shri Rajnath Singh emphasized that the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with the UAE remains a top priority for India.
"In the coming years, we are eager to collaborate closely in areas such as defence cooperation, co-production, co-development projects, innovation, and technology," he stated.
The meeting explored avenues to scale up bilateral defence relations in line with the vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
Focus on Joint Ventures and Innovation
The talks highlighted opportunities for strategic joint ventures and co-production projects, with both ministers welcoming the India-UAE Defence Partnership Forum.
They acknowledged the active participation of both nations in each other’s defence exhibitions and expos, signaling a robust foundation for future collaboration.
The discussions also emphasized aligning India’s Make-in-India initiative with the UAE’s Make-in-Emirates program to leverage complementarities and drive innovation in defence manufacturing.
A Commitment to Regional Peace
Shri Rajnath Singh and Sheikh Hamdan reaffirmed their shared commitment to promoting peace and prosperity in the region.
The Raksha Mantri noted that the evolving partnership reflects the determination of both nations to address contemporary security challenges collaboratively.
"Both India and the UAE are committed to working together for a stable and prosperous future," he added, highlighting the importance of this alliance amidst global geopolitical shifts.
A Historic Visit
- The meeting took place during Sheikh Hamdan’s first official visit to India as Crown Prince of Dubai, which began on April 8, 2025, at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
- Accompanied by a high-level delegation of ministers, senior officials, and business leaders, the Crown Prince’s visit aims to solidify multifaceted ties between the two nations.
- Following his engagements in Delhi, Sheikh Hamdan is scheduled to travel to Mumbai to participate in a business roundtable with prominent industry leaders from both countries.
Strengthening a Longstanding Friendship
The Raksha Mantri’s meeting with the UAE Deputy PM and Defence Minister builds on the historic friendship between India and the UAE, elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during PM Modi’s landmark visit to the UAE in 2015.
Shri Rajnath Singh took to social media after the meeting, stating, "For India, the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with the UAE is of immense priority. This productive meeting paves the way for deeper defence collaboration and mutual growth."
The visit and discussions mark a new chapter in India-UAE relations, reinforcing their shared vision for security, innovation, and prosperity.