India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have agreed to enhance their defense and security collaboration, a key aspect of their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, during the President’s official visit to India, emphasized their joint interest in regional peace and stability. This visit marked Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s fifth trip to India in the last decade and his third official visit as the UAE President.
Both leaders discussed the broad spectrum of bilateral cooperation between the two nations, affirming the continuous strengthening of the India-UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership over the past ten years. They highlighted the importance of strategic autonomy, mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, and the robust defense and security cooperation as fundamental elements of their partnership. The leaders also condemned terrorism in all its forms, including cross-border terrorism, and agreed to cooperate within the Financial Action Task Force to combat terror financing and enhance anti-money laundering efforts.
In addition to defense and security matters, the leaders exchanged views on various regional and global issues of common interest. They acknowledged the strong cooperation and support at multilateral forums and expressed mutual backing for each other’s initiatives, such as India’s BRICS Chairmanship in 2026 and the UAE’s hosting of the 2026 UN Water Conference. Recognizing their shared cultural heritage, Prime Minister Modi welcomed the UAE’s contribution of artifacts for the National Maritime Heritage Complex at Lothal.
The leaders also decided to establish a ‘House of India’ in Abu Dhabi to symbolize the enduring friendship between the two countries. They pledged to continue fostering vibrant people-to-people connections through youth exchanges to deepen cultural understanding. Prime Minister Modi presented traditional Indian gifts to UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, including a royal carved wooden swing and a Pashmina shawl, showcasing India’s rich handloom and handicraft traditions.
