India has secured some arms agreements with the Gulf countries, particularly the UAE, which, as far as the Gulf countries’ industries go, has the most advanced defence industry.
Many Gulf countries especially the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia have outlined their Vision plans for modernizing their economies and are looking at India as an important trading partner in a range of sectors including defence. Military-to-military relations and focus on maritime security is noteworthy, opines an international expert.
“In the defence sector, arms deals between India and the Gulf countries are limited, as India and the Gulf countries themselves are net importers of military systems that are still working to develop their defence industries. It is plausible that as these industries develop, the arms trade between India and the Gulf countries will grow, but it will be some time until this potential can be meaningfully realized,” opines US-based Derek Bisaccio, Military Markets Analyst for Forecast International.
