UAE–India Defence Industry Forum begins in Abu Dhabi
A two-day forum in Abu Dhabi brought UAE and Indian defence industry representatives together to advance co‑development, co‑production and supply‑chain ties under a new strategic framework.
The UAE–India Defence Industry Forum opened in Abu Dhabi on 15 September 2026, signalling a stepped‑up drive to translate high‑level strategic ties into industrial partnerships. The event was organised by Tawazun Council for Defence Enablement in collaboration with the Embassy of the Republic of India in the UAE and the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM).
Participants and purpose
Senior figures attending included Dr Nasser Humaid Al Nuaimi, Secretary‑General of Tawazun Council for Defence Enablement; Dr Deepak Mittal, Ambassador of the Republic of India to the UAE; and AVM Arvind Verma, Vice President (Exports) at Zen Technologies and leader of the SIDM delegation. Delegates also comprised officials from the UAE Ministry of Defence, representatives of EDGE Group, and senior executives from leading UAE and Indian defence companies.
The Forum provided a platform for presentations on Indian defence capabilities and priorities, alongside bilateral meetings designed to identify practical opportunities for cooperation in manufacturing, research and development, advanced technologies and supply chains.
From diplomacy to industrial partnership
The meeting was explicitly linked to the Strategic Defence Partnership Framework established in May 2026 and aims to align India’s “Make in India” agenda with the UAE’s “Make it in the Emirates” strategy. Organisers said the objective is to move beyond traditional supplier‑buyer relations to establish joint development, co‑production and technical partnerships that strengthen both countries’ defence industrial bases.
Shareef Hashim Al Hashemi, Director‑General of Industry Development at Tawazun Council for Defence Enablement, described the Forum as “a practical step toward translating the strategic relations between the UAE and India into opportunities for industrial and defence cooperation”, adding that the event sought to connect companies and pinpoint areas where partnerships could deliver tangible value.
AVM Arvind Verma said the Forum offered Indian firms an opportunity to present their technologies and solutions to UAE national companies and to better understand Emirati needs and priorities. “This strengthens direct connections between companies and creates opportunities to explore new areas of cooperation and build sustainable partnerships between UAE and Indian companies,” he added.
Sessions featured company introductions, technical capability briefings and discussions on integrating supply chains. Bilateral meetings were held throughout the day to explore concrete projects and potential areas for joint investment and capacity building.
Organisers said the Forum is intended to be a continuing mechanism for industry engagement as both countries seek to deepen defence industrial cooperation and foster resilient, regionally based supply chains.
Source: WAM