General Upendra Dwivedi's Strategic Visit to UAE: Strengthening India’s Military Ties
General Dwivedi Embarks on Official UAE Visit
New Delhi: On Sunday, General Upendra Dwivedi, the Chief of Army Staff of India, commenced a two-day official visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), marking a significant move towards enhancing military and strategic collaboration between the two nations.
This visit highlights the increasing defense partnership within the broader framework of the India-UAE strategic alliance, which has been evolving through high-level interactions and joint initiatives in the security and defense sectors.
The Indian Army's Additional Directorate General, Public Information (ADG-PI), shared on X, "#GeneralUpendraDwivedi, #COAS, proceeded on an official visit to the United Arab Emirates #UAE today. The visit underscores a shared commitment to deepening mutual understanding, enhancing cooperation in areas of common interest and advancing bilateral #DefenceCooperation between the two nations."
General Dwivedi’s journey signifies India’s commitment to bolstering military diplomacy with key partners in the Gulf region, which is crucial for security, economic, and geopolitical interests.
India and the UAE have established a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, with defense cooperation being a fundamental aspect alongside trade, energy, and cultural exchanges. Previous military interactions, including reciprocal visits by senior commanders and discussions on defense industry collaboration, demonstrate the ongoing momentum of this bilateral relationship.
During his visit, General Dwivedi is anticipated to meet with senior military officials from the UAE to discuss further collaboration in defense innovation, joint exercises, and strategic dialogues.
Recently, an Indian Army contingent arrived in the Gulf nation to take part in the second edition of the joint military exercise ‘Desert Cyclone-II’, scheduled to occur in Abu Dhabi from December 18 to 30.
According to the Defence Ministry, the exercise aims to improve interoperability and strengthen defense cooperation between the Indian Army and the UAE Land Forces through joint training in urban settings, focusing on sub-conventional operations under a United Nations mandate, which will enable both forces to collaborate in peacekeeping, counter-terrorism, and stability operations.
Over the course of nearly two weeks, troops from both nations will engage in a variety of tactical drills, including operations in built-up areas, heliborne maneuvers, and detailed mission planning. Additionally, they will integrate Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and counter-UAS techniques for operations in urban environments.
In a related development, the Commander of the UAE Land Forces, Maj Gen Yousef Maayouf Saeed Al Hallami, visited India from October 27-28, followed by the Commander of the UAE Presidential Guard from December 15-19.
Maj Gen Hallami's visit included significant engagements with senior leaders and officials from both countries, further solidifying the foundation for enhanced military cooperation and collaboration in strategic and defense areas.
During his discussions with General Dwivedi, key topics were addressed to strengthen bilateral ties.
General Dwivedi’s visit to the UAE is part of a series of engagements with foreign militaries and strategic partners worldwide, reflecting India’s broader defense outreach.
Through these high-level exchanges, New Delhi aims to strengthen partnerships, enhance interoperability, and tackle shared security challenges in a complex global landscape.