India, UAE sign strategic defense partnership

NEW DELHI, May 16 (YPA) – India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have agreed on a strategic defense partnership framework and expanded energy cooperation during an official visit by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the UAE.

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs stated that the new defense partnership aims to deepen joint cooperation in defense industries, maritime security, cyber defense, training, joint exercises, and information sharing, amid efforts to strengthen bilateral ties against the backdrop of regional tensions and the war on Iran.

The two sides also signed vital agreements concerning strategic oil reserves and the supply of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), as New Delhi seeks to secure long-term energy agreements and expand its strategic petroleum reserves.

This move follows a mutual defense agreement signed last year between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.

YPA