I. Introduction: Indo-UAE Relations and Defence Collaboration

- India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have cemented their commitment towards stronger bilateral cooperation with the recent signing of eight agreements. These pacts aim to enhance collaboration in critical sectors such as investments, electricity trade, and digital payment platforms. The signing of these pacts further strengthens the robust defence bond shared by the two nations.

II. Tracing the Historical Bonds and Foundations

- The relationship between India and UAE is deep-rooted, extending across cultural, religious, and economic interactions spanning for thousands of years. This enduring tie has set a firm foundation for collaborative opportunities in several sectors, including defence.

- Key areas identified for potential bilateral cooperation include the production and development of defence equipment, joint armed forces exercises, information sharing on strategy and doctrines, and technical cooperation in several defence fields such as the development of Intermediate Jet Trainers.

III. Scrutinising Recent Developments in Defence Collaboration

- The defence collaboration between India and UAE has witnessed considerable growth in recent years. This collaboration extends to areas like defence training, supply of defence inventory, and regular exchange programs.

- A significant recent development has been the first India-UAE Joint Air Forces exercise, which took place in September 2008 at Al-Dhafra base in Abu Dhabi. This joint exercise marked a significant milestone in the defence collaboration of the two countries.

IV. Participation in International Defence Exhibitions

- India's active involvement in the biennial International Defence Exhibition (IDEX) in Abu Dhabi, UAE, exemplifies the commitment of the two nations to bolster their defence relations.

- The IDEX platform helps India showcase its advancements in the defence sector and explore collaborative opportunities with the UAE and other global partners. Participation in such platforms also aids India in enhancing its defence technological prowess and in expanding its footprint in the global defence space.

GK Points:

- The UAE, located in Southeast Asia, is a federation of seven emirates including Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah among others.

- It is strategically located along the southern approaches to the Strait of Hormuz, a vital transit point for world crude oil.

- The UAE's high GDP and liberal policies have made it a significant player in the regional geopolitics.

- From India's perspective, the UAE is a valued partner with resources and strategic location, and with these recent pacts, the relationship is expected to touch new heights.