The United Arab Emirates and India are tightening their maritime ties, as a high-level delegation from the UAE National Guard Command visits India to boost training collaboration and capacity building with the Indian Coast Guard. Led by Brigadier Staff Khalid Obaid Thani Al Shamsi, Acting Commander of the UAE Coast Guard Group, the delegation’s visit from January 26 to 31 is packed with meetings, interactions, and visits to training centers.
The delegation kicked off with a bilateral meeting in New Delhi, where both sides discussed strengthening ties and cooperation between their maritime agencies. “This collaboration underscores the commitment of both nations to ensure maritime safety and security in the region,” said a statement from the Indian Coast Guard.
The focus of the discussions? Training and capacity-building initiatives, particularly in areas related to maritime safety and security. The UAE delegation is also visiting Indian Coast Guard training centers in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. These visits aim to familiarize the UAE team with courses on oil pollution response, maritime search and rescue, and capacity-building programs regularly attended by personnel from friendly countries.
This isn’t just a knowledge exchange—it’s a strategic move. As maritime security threats evolve, so must the training and collaboration between regional partners. The UAE and India are stepping up, setting an example for how nations can work together to tackle shared challenges.
The delegation’s visit comes at a time when maritime security is increasingly becoming a global concern. Piracy, illegal fishing, and smuggling are just a few of the threats that demand a coordinated regional response. By enhancing training collaboration, the UAE and India are not only boosting their own capabilities but also contributing to a safer and more secure maritime environment for all.
As the delegation wraps up its visit, one thing is clear: the UAE and India are committed to strengthening their maritime partnership. And in a world where security challenges are increasingly complex and interconnected, this kind of collaboration is more important than ever.