Lok Sabha Question No. 5637 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-27
Subject: India-UAE Strategic Defence Partnership
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Shri Asaduddin Owaisi

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS 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 19 th 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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