LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 5637
ANSWERED ON- 27/03/2026
INDIA-UAE STRATEGIC DEFENCE PARTNERSHIP
5637. SHRI ASADUDDIN OWAISI
Will the EXTERNAL AFFAIRS Minister be pleased to state:-
(a) The details, scope and the operational framework of the proposed India-UAE Strategic Defence Partnership announced during the UAE President’s visit on 19th January, 2026.
(b) Whether the Government has assessed the implications of this defence agreement on India’s bilateral ties with west asian countries like Saudi Arabia, Iran and other Gulf Cooperation Council countries, if so, the details thereof;
(c) The details of the safeguards in place to protect approximately 10 million Indian diaspora in GCC nations;
(d) The manner in which the Government plan to leverage this partnership for India’s energy security; and
(e) The manner in which the Government intend to protect India’s key connectivity projects including Chabahar Port, the International North-South Transport Corridor and the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, amid increasing regional tensions?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
(SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH)
(a) & (b) The Letter of Intent signed during the official visit of the President of the UAE provides for working towards a framework agreement for strategic defence partnership in order to expand the existing bilateral defence cooperation across a number of areas such as defence industrial cooperation, defence innovation, advanced technology in the area of defence, counter-terrorism, threats in the cyberspace domain and training.
The agreement builds upon existing defence cooperation between India and the UAE and seeks to strengthen it further.
India’s relations with the countries in the Gulf and West Asia region are based on strong foundations of centuries-old people-to-people ties. These have deepened and attained strategic dimensions in different areas of trade, investments, defence, energy, and connectivity over the past decades.
(c) The Government of India attaches the highest priority to the safety, security, welfare and well-being of the Indian diaspora in the Gulf region. The Ministry of External Affairs is in regular touch with the State Governments and Union Territories to share information and coordinate efforts. The Ministry has established a dedicated special control room to assist and support Indian nationals and their families. In view of the recent regional developments, the Government has undertaken efforts to facilitate the safe return of Indian nationals stranded in transit or on short-term visits following airspace closures.
Embassies and Consulates in the region have issued updated advisories, and are operating 24x7 helplines to address concerns and provide all possible assistance to seafarers, students, stranded Indians, and short-term visitors. Throughout this period, Government has maintained close contact with the relevant countries at the highest levels.
(d) & (e) The Gulf and West Asia region remains critical for India’s energy security and connectivity. The Government has ensured continuity of energy supplies through diversification of sources, enhanced domestic production, and sustained imports, while managing price volatility. Diplomatic efforts have facilitated continued movement of oil through key routes, including the Strait of Hormuz.
The Government maintains close oversight of initiatives such as the Chabahar Port, the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), and the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, and continues to engage partners and all the relevant stakeholders in line with prevailing regional security conditions.
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