Daijiworld Media Network - Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi, Jan 5: India’s chief of Army Staff, General Upendra Dwivedi, on Monday held wide-ranging discussions with Major General Staff Yousef Maayouf Saeed Al Hallami, Commander of the UAE Land Forces, as part of efforts to strengthen military cooperation between the two countries.
The talks focused on expanding bilateral defence engagement, improving convergence in training, and enhancing overall military-to-military cooperation. The discussions reflected the growing strategic trust between India and the United Arab Emirates, particularly in the domain of land forces collaboration.
During the visit, General Dwivedi also toured the UAE Land Forces Museum, where he was briefed on the history, traditions and military heritage of the UAE Army, gaining insights into the evolution of its armed forces.
Earlier in the day, the Indian Army Chief met India’s Ambassador to the UAE, Dr Deepak Mittal. Their interaction centred on further deepening India-UAE relations, with special emphasis on military diplomacy, defence engagement and strengthening strategic partnerships.
General Dwivedi is on an official visit to the UAE as part of India’s broader outreach to reinforce defence ties and professional military exchanges with friendly nations. During his stay, he is scheduled to call on senior leadership of the UAE Armed Forces and receive briefings on the structure, roles and capabilities of the UAE Army. He will also visit key military establishments and interact with officers and troops, underscoring the expanding defence partnership between the two countries. The Army Chief is also set to address officers at the UAE National Defence College.
Following the UAE leg of his tour, General Dwivedi will travel to Sri Lanka from January 7 to 8. He will be accorded a Guard of Honour by the Sri Lanka Army and is scheduled to meet senior military and civil leaders, including the Sri Lankan Army Commander, Deputy Defence Minister and Defence Secretary. Discussions will focus on training cooperation, capacity building and regional security.
During his Sri Lanka visit, the COAS will address officers at the Defence Services Command and Staff College, interact with officers and trainees at the Army War College in Buttala, and pay homage at the IPKF War Memorial to honour fallen Indian soldiers.
According to the Ministry of Defence, the visits to the UAE and Sri Lanka reaffirm India’s commitment to strengthening defence cooperation, enhancing interoperability, and fostering mutual trust with partner nations in West Asia and the Indian Ocean region.