In a move set to reshape the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East and beyond, the United States has designated the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as a “major defense partner.”
This designation, previously reserved exclusively for India, signifies a deepening security partnership between the US and the UAE and paves the way for unprecedented trilateral military cooperation involving the US, the UAE, and India.
The announcement came in a joint statement issued after a meeting between US President Joe Biden and UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan at the White House.
The designation recognizes the deepening security partnership between the US and UAE, their collaboration in advanced technology and acquisition, and their shared interest in preventing conflict and de-escalation in the Middle East, East Africa, and the Indian Ocean regions.
This unique status will facilitate joint training, exercises, and military-to-military collaboration between the three nations, as well as other common military partners, bolstering regional stability.
India, which already has a robust and growing military partnership with the US, including the joint development of military technology and equipment, is expected to play a key role in these collaborative efforts.
Furthermore, the leaders discussed progress on the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), a project envisioned to connect India to Europe through a network of ship-to-rail connections.
They underscored its potential to stimulate economic growth, attract new investments, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, while also facilitating global trade, expanding access to electricity, and strengthening telecommunication.
While the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict has affected progress on the IMEC, individual countries like India and the UAE continue to work on their respective components.
In essence, the US’s recognition of the UAE as a major defense partner not only deepens bilateral relations but also positions India as a pivotal player in the evolving security landscape of the Middle East, further enhancing its global strategic influence.
