India, UAE to boost defence, security ties

In a significant move, India and the UAE on Monday decided to establish a “strategic security dialogue” and boost defence ties, besides resolving to work together in counter-terrorism operations, combating money laundering, drug trafficking and trans-national crimes.

After Prime Minister Narendra Modi held wide-ranging talks with UAE leadership both in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, a raft of announcements were made to strengthen defence and security cooperation between the two countries.

A joint statement said the two sides agreed to “work together to control, regulate and share information on flow of funds that could have a bearing on radicalisation activities and cooperate in interdicting illegal flows and take action against concerned individuals and organisations”.

The Prime Minister held comprehensive talks with UAE Crown Prince Mohamed Bin Zayed AI Nahyan in Abu Dhabi while he held talks with Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum in Dubai.

To step up cooperation on security related issues, both sides decided to establish a strategic security dialogue to deliberate on major issues.

Both sides decided to establish a strategic security dialogue to deliberate on major issues and agreed to establish a dialogue between their National Security Advisors and their National Security Councils. They also came down heavily on countries sponsoring terrorism and asked all states to dismantle terror infrastructure.

"The National Security Advisors, together with other high level representatives for security from both nations, will meet every six months," the statement said.

The two sides agreed to strengthen defence relations, including through regular exercises and training of naval, air, land and special forces, and in coastal defence.

The UAE also conveyed to India that it will cooperate in manufacture of defence equipment in India.

The joint statement said both sides decided to strengthen cooperation in law enforcement, anti-money laundering, drug trafficking, other trans-national crimes, extradition arrangements, as well as police training.

They also agreed to promote cooperation in cyber security, including "prevention on use of cyber for terrorism, radicalisation and disturbing social harmony."

The two sides will also establish points of contact between their security agencies to further improve operational cooperation.

They have also agreed to cooperate to strengthen maritime security in the Gulf and the Indian Ocean region, which is vital for the security and prosperity of both countries.