Description

Source: PIB

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Context

The Indian Air Force is actively participating in Exercise Desert Flag-10 a premier multinational air combat exercise hosted by the United Arab Emirates. The exercise is scheduled from April 21 to May 8, 2025 at Al Dhafra Air Base.

Exercise Desert Flag-10

Exercise Desert Flag is an annual multinational air warfare training initiative designed to enhance interoperability, strategic coordination and combat readiness among participating nations.

Participating Nations

12 countries including India, United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Australia, Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Turkey and United Arab Emirates.

The objective is to conduct complex aerial combat scenarios, facilitate the exchange of operational knowledge and share best practices among leading air forces.

Indian Air Force Participation

The Indian Air Force has deployed a contingent to Al Dhafra Air Base, marking its commitment to international defense collaboration. Aircraft deployed include MiG-29 fighter jets and Jaguar ground-attack aircraft.

India-UAE Defence Relations

Historical Background

Establishment of Diplomatic Relations: 1972

Defence Cooperation Start: Early 2000s

Relations gained strategic momentum especially after 2015, following Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s historic visit — first by an Indian PM in 34 years.

Agreements and MoUs

Agreement	Year	Focus Area
Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP)	2017	Defence, counterterrorism, intelligence sharing
MoU on Defence Cooperation	2016	Joint military exercises, training
MoU between Indian Coast Guard and UAE Navy	2016	Maritime security, anti-piracy operations
Framework Agreement on Defence Cooperation	2024	Joint production, technology transfer, cybersecurity cooperation

Joint Military Exercises

Exercise	Forces Involved	Focus
Desert Flag	Air Forces	Large-scale aerial combat (IAF participation)
Gulf Star	Navies	Maritime security, anti-piracy, interoperability
Zayed Talwar	Navies	Bilateral naval exercise for strategic maritime coordination

High-Level Visits

2022: Defence Minister of India visited UAE to deepen maritime cooperation.

2024: UAE’s Defence Minister attended India’s DefExpo, exploring joint ventures in defence manufacturing.

Defence Industry Collaboration

Both countries explore partnerships in manufacturing drones, small arms, missiles, and cyber-security technologies.

Focus on indigenous production under India's Make in India and UAE’s Operation 300bn(industrial diversification drive).

Major Indian companies like HAL, BEL, Bharat Dynamics exploring collaborations with UAE firms.

India consistently participates in UAE’s IDEX (International Defence Exhibition) and NAVDEX.

Maritime Security and Anti-Piracy

Strategic cooperation in:

Protecting commercial shipping routes in the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz and Arabian Sea.

Intelligence sharing regarding maritime threats.

Coordination on anti-piracy operations off the Horn of Africa.

Space and Cyber Security

Defence applications of satellite technology through collaborations with UAE Space Agency.

Cyber Security MoU signed in 2024 for protecting defence digital assets.

Joint working groups for Cyber Defence focusing on protecting critical information infrastructure.

Strategic Importance of UAE for India

Aspect	Importance
Geo-Strategic Location	Near critical shipping lanes — Persian Gulf, Red Sea, Indian Ocean
Energy Security	UAE is one of India's top crude oil suppliers
Diaspora	3.5+ million Indians live in UAE — largest expatriate community
Counterterrorism	Shared interest in countering radicalisation and extremism
Maritime Security	Ensuring safety of SLOCs (Sea Lines of Communication)

Challenges in Defence Relations

UAE’s deep defence partnerships with USA, France sometimes impact prioritization.

Concerns over protection of sensitive technologies.

Changing geopolitical equations especially regarding Pakistan and Iran influence defence ties subtly.

Sources: PIB

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. India and the UAE have strengthened their defence ties over the years, culminating in joint exercises, strategic partnerships, and growing security cooperation. Analyze the significance of India-UAE defence relations in the context of regional security in the Gulf.