India and UAE Discuss Defence Partnership Involving BrahMos Missile

India and the United Arab Emirates have initiated discussions regarding a potential defence collaboration that could see India supplying advanced military systems to the UAE. According to a report by Reuters, these discussions focus on the possible exports of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile and the Akashteer air defence command and control system.

Although the talks are in the early stages, they appear to be gaining traction. A source familiar with the negotiations noted, "UAE has shown interest for a number of our weapon systems including BrahMos and Akashteer. The talks between India and UAE are at initial stages and are progressing fast."

The UAE's interest is part of a broader strategy to enhance its defence capabilities amid rising regional tensions and security threats in the Middle East. Ensuring the protection of critical infrastructure and securing maritime trade routes, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz, are becoming increasingly vital for Gulf nations.

The BrahMos missile, which has been jointly developed by India and Russia, is noted as one of the fastest operational cruise missiles globally and can be launched from various platforms, including land, sea, and air. In contrast, the Akashteer system is designed to assimilate data from multiple defence assets to deliver a coordinated response to aerial threats.

It is important to note that any export of the BrahMos system would necessitate approval from Russia due to the collaborative nature of its development. However, experts suggest that this requirement is unlikely to pose a significant hindrance, considering Moscow's well-established relationship with Abu Dhabi.

These discussions underscore the growing strategic alignment between India and the UAE, which have seen increased cooperation in various sectors, including trade, energy, and defence. In recent years, both countries have signed agreements aimed at fostering joint military technology development and enhancing security collaboration.

India's military exports have surged over the last decade, driven by government initiatives to promote homegrown manufacturing and increase the international presence of Indian-made defence equipment.