New Delhi, Sep 2026 : Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh on Friday held discussions with Major General Staff Rashid Mohammed Al Shamsi, Commander of the United Arab Emirates Air Force and Air Defence, focusing on ways to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in military and defence affairs.
The meeting covered a range of issues of mutual interest, with both sides exploring avenues to expand defence engagement and cooperation, according to the UAE Ministry of Defence.
“The UAE Air Force and Air Defence received Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, Chief of the Air Staff of the Indian Air Force, and his accompanying delegation. During the meeting, the two sides discussed a range of issues of mutual interest and explored avenues for further strengthening bilateral cooperation, particularly in the military and defence fields,” the UAE Ministry of Defence said in a post on X.
The discussions come amid growing defence ties between India and the UAE, with senior military leaders from both countries maintaining regular engagement and exploring opportunities for professional exchanges, training and greater operational cooperation.
In June, Brigadier General Staff Mohamed Khamees Mohamed Al-Hassani, Deputy Commander of the UAE Land Forces, called on Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi in New Delhi. The two military leaders discussed measures to enhance bilateral military cooperation and expand professional exchanges between the two armies.
According to the Indian Army's Additional Directorate General of Public Information (ADGPI), the interaction also focused on identifying new areas of collaboration. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening institutional ties, building mutual trust and advancing a shared vision for regional security and stability.
The latest engagement between the air forces is part of broader efforts to deepen defence relations under the India-UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
In January, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan visited India and held extensive discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. During the talks, the two leaders highlighted defence and security cooperation as an important pillar of the bilateral strategic partnership.
The leaders also welcomed the momentum generated by reciprocal visits involving senior commanders and service chiefs of the armed forces of both countries. They noted the successful conduct of bilateral military exercises and expressed support for continued defence engagement.
A joint statement issued following their meeting said both leaders welcomed the signing of a Letter of Intent aimed at paving the way for the conclusion of a Strategic Defence Partnership between India and the UAE.
The steady expansion of military-to-military contacts reflects the broader strengthening of strategic relations between the two countries. Regular exchanges between senior commanders, bilateral exercises and professional interactions have created additional opportunities for cooperation across the defence domain.
The meeting between Air Chief Marshal Singh and Major General Staff Al Shamsi is expected to provide further momentum to these efforts, particularly in the areas of military cooperation, professional exchanges and initiatives aimed at contributing to regional security and stability.
