India-UAE Strategic Defence Partnership Framework Signed During Al Nahyan’s Three-Hour India Visit | India News

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, completed his three-hour visit to India on January 19, 2026.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi received the UAE President at the airport and later held bilateral talks at his official residence at 7 Lok Kalyan Marg.

One of the most important outcomes of the bilateral talks between the two leaders was the formalization of the India-UAE Letter of Intent, which established the framework of a comprehensive Strategic Defense Partnership. This important agreement covers joint defense production, technology transfers and private sector cooperation.

India and the UAE have developed a vibrant partnership, combining historic trade routes with contemporary goals in energy, defence, investment and technology.

Foreign Minister Vikram Misri held a press conference highlighting the bilateral talks between the two leaders. The Minister of Foreign Affairs emphasized that the “short but extremely important” official visit of UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to New Delhi was marked by warm personal gestures from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
During bilateral talks, both leaders strongly condemned cross-border terrorism and promised justice for perpetrators, supporters and financiers; UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed approved India’s 2026 BRICS presidential success.

The leaders’ speeches reflected their warmth and friendship, and multiple Letters of Intent emerged. These include a strategic defense partnership framework, space cooperation through IN-SPACe and a UAE agency for launch sites, satellites, joint missions and training, as well as UAE stakes in Dholera’s mega projects including an international airport, greenfield port, MRO, smart township and rail-energy links.

#WRISTWATCH | Delhi: During the visit of UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs Vikram Misri said: “The talks between the leaders have become characteristic of the warmth and special friendship between the two leaders. pic.twitter.com/dKRFgJtzID— ANI (@ANI) January 19, 2026

Also Read: PM Modi Receives UAE President Sheikh Al Nahyan Who Comes to India for Two-Hour Visit

The Foreign Minister also elaborated on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s review of bilateral trade dynamics during the summit, highlighting the positive effects of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) on trade volumes.

The talks between the two leaders also emphasized scaling this partnership for sustainable growth amid global economic changes.

Prime Minister Modi also expressed gratitude for UAE President Al Nahyan’s support in providing artifacts for Lothal’s upcoming National Maritime Heritage Complex. The leaders agreed to advance polar science cooperation, including joint expeditions and institutional partnerships, as well as reviewing the regional dynamics of West Asia to promote peace, security and prosperity.