BLITZ BUREAU
IN a recently-concluded agreement with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will contribute $20 million to support the UN body’s humanitarian operations in Sudan and neighbouring countries.
In a significant step in bolstering defence relations, the 12th meeting of the India-UAE Joint Defence Cooperation Committee (JDCC) in Abu Dhabi on July 9 covered a wide range of topics, including regional security. While Joint Secretary Amitabh Prasad led the Indian team at the talks, UAE delegation was headed by Brigadier General Staff Jamal Ebrahim Mohamed Almazrooqi.
The meeting focused on various aspects of collaboration, including training, joint military exercises, defence industrial partnerships, and research and development initiatives. Both sides also discussed the exchange of subject matter experts to benefit from each other’s knowledge and experience. Regional security concerns, particularly maritime security, were addressed during the talks.
The India-UAE JDCC was established in 2006. “The 12th meeting provided an opportunity to further augment India’s defence and security relations with the UAE, strengthening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries,” said an official.
The talks emphasised the importance of strengthening defence ties to effectively tackle shared security challenges in the region. On the sidelines of the JDCC, separate staff talks were held between the navies and armies of both countries, delving into servicespecific cooperation. These discussions aimed to enhance operational synergies between the armed forces of India and the UAE.
During the visit, Prasad met with Ali Abdulla Al Ahmed, Assistant Under Secretary at the UAE Ministry of Defence, for bilateral discussions. He also had talks with the CEO of Tawazun Economic Council. As both countries continue to navigate complex regional dynamics, the defence cooperation is seen as a positive step towards ensuring stability and security in the region. The commitment shown by both sides during this meeting reflects the growing importance of the India-UAE strategic relationship in the evolving geopolitical landscape of the Middle East and South Asia.
