MEA Responds to Reports of BrahMos Missile Sale, Emphasises Stronger India–UAE Defence Ties
MEA says India seeks stronger defence ties amid reports of BrahMos missile sale to UAE.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Tuesday said India is looking to further strengthen its defence partnership with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), amid reports suggesting potential discussions over the sale of advanced Indian-made weapons systems, including the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile.
Responding to media queries on the reported deal, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India shares a close and growing defence relationship with the UAE and expressed the government’s intent to deepen strategic ties further. However, he clarified that he could not confirm any specific agreement and said details regarding such matters would be best addressed by the Defence Ministry.
The clarification comes after reports indicated that India and the UAE are in early-stage discussions on the possible export of defence platforms such as BrahMos and the Akashteer air defence system. According to reports, the talks are progressing quickly, although they remain at a preliminary stage.
Also Read: Reports Say India Discussing Possible BrahMos Missile Sale To UAE
The UAE has reportedly shown increased interest in strengthening its air defence capabilities and securing critical infrastructure, including key energy routes such as the Strait of Hormuz, following recent regional security concerns. The country is exploring multiple defence procurement options as part of broader efforts to enhance national security preparedness.
BrahMos, developed jointly by India and Russia, is one of the world’s fastest supersonic cruise missiles and can be launched from land, sea, and air platforms. Any export of the system would require approval from Russia due to its joint development structure. The Akashteer system, developed by Bharat Electronics Limited in collaboration with the Indian Army, is an automated air defence command-and-control platform designed to integrate radar and weapon systems for rapid response against aerial threats.
A potential agreement with the UAE would mark another step forward for India’s expanding defence export ambitions. In 2022, the Philippines became the first international buyer of the BrahMos system in a deal valued at nearly $375 million, highlighting India’s growing presence in the global defence market.
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