How India Moved Strategically With UAE Against Pakistan-Saudi Defence Pact: Explained
Key Takeaways
- India accelerated defence and diplomatic outreach to the UAE in response to the Pakistan-Saudi Arabia military pact.
- The strategy includes fast-tracking logistics agreements and increasing joint naval exercises.
- This move aims to counterbalance shifting alliances and secure India’s interests in the Arabian Sea region.
India has strategically deepened its partnership with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to counter the growing defence cooperation between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. High-level diplomatic engagements have intensified, focusing on enhanced bilateral defence ties, intelligence sharing, and maritime security.
“The UAE is a crucial strategic partner for India in the Gulf. Our relationship is built on mutual trust and shared interests in regional stability,” said a senior Indian diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity.
The Pakistan-Saudi Defence Pact
The defence agreement between Islamabad and Riyadh, signed earlier this year, includes joint military training, defence technology transfer, and coordinated naval patrols. Analysts view this alignment as partly aimed at countering Indian influence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
India’s Strategic Countermove
In response, India and the UAE have fast-tracked several pending agreements, including a logistics support pact for mutual naval facility access. The frequency of bilateral naval exercises has also increased, with the next edition scheduled in the Persian Gulf.
This approach is part of India’s broader West Asia strategy, which prioritizes relationships with multiple Gulf powers. The UAE serves as a key partner to safeguard India’s interests amid evolving regional alliances.
Regional Security Implications
The deepening India-UAE defence cooperation reinforces India’s role as a net security provider in the western Indian Ocean. This gains significance amid increased Chinese naval presence in the area.
India’s proactive engagement with the UAE demonstrates its commitment to protecting strategic interests through diplomacy and strengthened partnerships. The coming months may see further consolidation of this axis as both nations navigate complex regional dynamics.
