Cyber and Industry Collaboration Strengthened

On 25 January, India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) signed two agreements aimed at strengthening defence and security ties between the two nations.

Indian Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar and UAE Minister of State for Defence Mohammed Al Bawardi exchanged a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation between their respective defence industries. Collaboration between public and private organisations in the two nations will strengthen existing growing ties, particularly in research, development and technology transfer.

Parrikar also signed a second MoU with Sheikh Khalid bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy National Security Advisor and Chairman of the UAE’s State Security Department. This agreement deals with enhancing technology development and cooperation in cyberspace issues.

Bilateral cooperation between India and the UAE has been increasing in scope and depth in recent years: naval vessels make regular reciprocal port visits and there is an annual ‘Defence Dialogue’ to discuss defence and security cooperation.