The visit of Major General Yousef Maayouf Saeed Al Hallami, Commander of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Land Forces, from October 27 has marked a key milestone in reinforcing the longstanding defence ties between the Indian Army and the UAE Land Forces.
The visit, which included a series of high-level engagements and discussions, further consolidated the foundation for enhanced bilateral military cooperation, focusing on strategic collaboration and technological exchange.
During his stay, Maj Gen Hallami held detailed discussions with the Chief of Army Staff, General Upendra Dwivedi. The talks centred on strengthening military partnerships, exploring avenues for deeper operational cooperation, and expanding defence exchanges between the two armies. Officials described the discussions as productive, resulting in several outcomes that are expected to advance joint military initiatives and foster long-term defence collaboration.
As part of his official engagements, the UAE Commander was briefed on Operation Sindoor, showcasing India’s operational preparedness and strategic approach. He also received detailed presentations from the Directorate General of Information Systems and the Army Design Bureau, outlining India’s defence innovation ecosystem and the ongoing integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in military applications.
Earlier in the day, Maj Gen Hallami paid homage to fallen soldiers by laying a wreath at the National War Memorial in New Delhi, honouring the sacrifices of the Indian Armed Forces. The solemn ceremony underscored the shared respect and camaraderie between the two nations’ militaries.
The visiting dignitary also met Samir V. Kamat, Secretary, Department of Defence (R&D) and Chairman of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). During his visit to DRDO headquarters, he was given an overview of India’s indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
According to officials, a series of briefings were conducted on indigenous weapon systems, equipment platforms, and technological advancements that highlight India’s growing self-reliance in defence production.
Later, Maj Gen Hallami engaged with representatives of India’s defence industry. The discussions included presentations on drones and counter-drone technologies, missile and artillery systems, explosives, and reactive armour for tanks — areas that represent India’s expanding defence technology landscape.
The visit is being viewed as a significant step in furthering the deep-rooted relationship between the Indian and UAE armed forces. Both sides reaffirmed their shared commitment to regional stability, security cooperation, and continued collaboration in defence technology and innovation.
Officials noted that the successful conclusion of the visit reflects the growing convergence of strategic interests between India and the UAE and underscores the importance of sustained engagement in building a robust defence partnership.
