‘Cold War’ in the Gulf: India-UAE Defence Deal Marks Major Geopolitical Shift

New Delhi: India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have strengthened their strategic partnership with a landmark defence agreement, signaling a significant geopolitical shift in the Gulf region. The move comes at a time of heightened tensions between the UAE and Saudi Arabia, underscoring the importance of reliable alliances.

UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan visited India for a brief three-hour stopover on Monday, receiving a warm welcome from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. During the visit, both nations committed to doubling bilateral trade to $200 billion, while agreeing to a framework for strategic defence cooperation—the first of its kind between the two countries.

Timing Amid Gulf Tensions
Sheikh Mohammed’s visit occurred amid a tense “cold war” with Saudi Arabia, marked by disputes over influence in Yemen and Sudan. The strained relations have limited direct communication between UAE and Saudi leaders, making India-UAE alignment particularly significant.

Strategic Importance of the Deal
The UAE is India’s third-largest trade partner and a key export destination. The defence partnership is not only a reinforcement of bilateral relations but also a hedge against regional instability, including tensions in Gaza, Israel, and the ongoing Iran-US standoff. The agreement is expected to strengthen security collaboration without being interpreted as a formal military alliance.

A Balanced Approach in the Gulf
Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri clarified that the agreement should not be viewed as India’s participation in any hypothetical regional conflict scenario. The strategic partnership reflects a pragmatic approach to securing mutual interests while maintaining strong ties across the Gulf.

With over a million Indians residing in the Gulf, India remains committed to balanced relations with all regional players. The new defence and trade agreements with the UAE, negotiated amid current geopolitical tensions, reinforce the positions of both nations while addressing their respective security and economic priorities.