12^th Joint Defence Cooperation Committee meeting between India & UAE held in Abu Dhabi to strengthen bilateral defence & security ties

New Delhi. The 12^th edition of the Joint Defence Cooperation Committee (JDCC) meeting between India and UAE was held in Abu Dhabi on July 9. During the meeting, the two sides discussed a wide range of opportunities for collaboration to further strengthen defence and security cooperation between the two countries. Detailed discussions were held in areas such as training, joint military exercises, defence industrial cooperation, subject matter expert exchange, R&D etc.

Both sides deliberated on the regional security situation, including maritime security, and underscored the need to enhance collaboration to tackle the security challenges. Exchanging visits in different domains to benefit from experience and knowledge of each other was also discussed. Mutual exchange of training opportunities in niche areas was also agreed.

The Indian delegation, led by Joint Secretary Amitabh Prasad, included senior officials from the Ministry of Defence, Armed Forces and the Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi. The meeting was co-chaired by Brig. General Staff Jamal Ebrahim Mohamed Almazrooqi from the UAE side.

During the visit, Joint Secretary Amitabh Prasad met with Assistant Under Secretary, Ministry of Defence, UAE Mr Ali Abdulla Al Ahmed and held discussion on bilateral defence cooperation. He had a productive meeting with the CEO of the Tawazun Economic Council. Staff talks between the Navy and Army of the two countries were also conducted on the sidelines of the JDCC. Service specific cooperation was discussed in detail.

The India-UAE JDCC was established in 2006. Since then, 11 rounds have been held. The 12^th 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.