India, UAE to review strategic defense partnership amid BrahMos missile sale talks

Joint Secretary (International Cooperation) Amitabh Prasad and UAE Brigadier General Jamal Ebrahim Mohamed Ebrahim Almar-Zooqi during a strategic meeting in New Delhi on June 24, 2026. Photo: X/@SpokespersonMoD via PTI

India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Wednesday (June 24, 2026) reviewed the progress made in their strategic defense partnership. Discussions focused on expanding defense industry cooperation, promoting innovation, advanced technology and strengthening maritime security.

The meeting held in New Delhi was jointly chaired by Joint Secretary (International Cooperation) Amitabh Prasad and UAE Staff Brigadier General Jamal Ebrahim Mohamed Ebrahim Almar-Zooqi.

The discussions come as the UAE shows increasing interest in acquiring Indian defense systems.

According to Defense Ministry sources, India is in talks with the Gulf nation to export some of its flagship military platforms, including the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile and the Akashteer air defense command and control network.

The UAE is assessing options to boost its air and missile defense capabilities following attacks on critical facilities during the recent conflict in West Asia.

In May this year, India and the UAE signed a pact to create a framework for their strategic defense partnership during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Abu Dhabi.

Published – 24 Jun 2026 23:41 IST