India’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Upendra Dwivedi, met with Major General Staff Yousef Maayouf Saeed Al Hallami, Commander of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Land Forces, on Monday to discuss deepening military cooperation between the two nations. The discussions focused on enhancing bilateral defence engagement, fostering training convergence, and advancing professional military exchanges.
The meetings were part of General Dwivedi’s official visit to the UAE, aimed at reinforcing India’s defence partnerships in West Asia and strengthening military-to-military ties with friendly nations. The Additional Directorate General of Public Information (ADGPI) of the Indian Army noted in a statement shared on X that the COAS’s engagements underscored India’s commitment to collaborative defence efforts in the region.
During the high-level talks, General Dwivedi and Major General Al Hallami reviewed avenues for enhanced cooperation, including joint exercises, officer exchanges, and training programs. “Discussions focused on enhancing positive military engagement, training convergence, and advancing bilateral #DefenceCooperation between India and UAE,” the ADGPI statement read.
As part of his UAE visit, General Dwivedi also toured the Land Forces Museum, gaining insights into the history, traditions, and military heritage of the UAE Army. This visit offered a platform to appreciate the evolution of the UAE Land Forces and explore opportunities for future collaboration, including technology sharing and tactical training.
Earlier in the day, General Dwivedi met with India’s Ambassador to the UAE, Dr. Deepak Mittal. The discussions emphasized further strengthening bilateral cooperation, with a particular focus on military diplomacy, defence engagement, and strategic partnership. “The discussions focused on deepening strategic ties and promoting mutual understanding through professional military exchanges,” the ADGPI added.
The COAS’s visit includes engagements with senior leadership of the UAE Armed Forces, briefings on the structure, roles, and capabilities of the UAE Army, and visits to key military establishments. He is also scheduled to address officers at the UAE National Defence College, reinforcing India’s intent to share professional expertise and build interoperability between the two armies.
Ministry of Defence officials highlighted that the visit is a continuation of India’s broader defence diplomacy initiatives in the region, aimed at fostering trust, enhancing coordination, and strengthening India’s presence in key strategic theatres, including West Asia.
Following his UAE tour, General Dwivedi is scheduled to visit Sri Lanka from January 7-8. Upon arrival, he will be received with a Guard of Honour by the Sri Lanka Army and will meet senior military and civil officials, including the Commander of the Sri Lanka Army, the Deputy Minister of Defence, and the Defence Secretary. The visit will focus on training cooperation, capacity building, and regional security collaboration.
During his time in Sri Lanka, the COAS will address officers at the Defence Services Command and Staff College (DSCSC) and engage with officers and trainees at the Army War College in Buttala. He will also pay homage at the IPKF War Memorial, honoring the supreme sacrifices made by Indian soldiers during peacekeeping missions in Sri Lanka.
In its statement, the Ministry of Defence emphasized, “The visit of the Chief of the Army Staff to the UAE and Sri Lanka reaffirms India’s commitment to strengthening defence cooperation, fostering mutual trust, and enhancing interoperability with friendly nations in the Indian Ocean Region and West Asia.”
General Dwivedi’s engagements with the UAE and Sri Lanka signal a concerted effort by India to expand its military diplomacy, deepen professional ties, and contribute to regional stability through collaborative defence initiatives.
