Font size:
Print
India–Gulf Defence Cooperation: Unlocking Strategic Potential Through Co-Development
India–Gulf Defence Cooperation: Driving Defence Self-Reliance Through Co-Development
Introduction:
The evolving geopolitics of West Asia and India’s pursuit of defence self-reliance have created a fertile ground for India–Gulf defence cooperation. While traditionally transactional and centred around energy security, the relationship is now maturing into a strategic partnership, with defence co-development emerging as a key pillar.
Strategic Context: Redefining India-Gulf Relations
- Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Saudi Arabia, although cut short by the Pahalgam terror attack, underscored India’s intent to deepen strategic ties with Riyadh and the broader Gulf.
- Earlier, relations were mostly transactional, driven by India’s energy dependency.
- However, India’s evolving security posture in West Asia shows a proactive maritime engagement, including:
- Deployment of 10 warships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden to counter Houthi attacks.
- Launch of Operation Sankalp (2019) during US-Iran tensions to ensure maritime security for Indian assets.
Recent Key Initiatives
- Joint Exercises and Strategic Visits
- Tri-service engagement: India and Saudi Arabia have conducted joint exercises across land, air, and sea domains.
- Chiefs of all three Indian defence forces have visited the Kingdom, signalling a comprehensive defence approach.
- Gulf’s Defence Diversification and India’s Opening
- Gulf states, once dependent solely on the US as a security guarantor, are now diversifying:
- UAE operates Chinese drones.
- Egypt uses Russian MiG-29s.
- China is seeking closer defence ties with Saudi Arabia.
- At the 2024 World Defence Show in Riyadh, Chinese companies dominated floor space, despite US leadership in sales.
- Gulf nations are seeking co-ownership of future military platforms:
- Saudi Arabia is linked with Türkiye’s TAI Kaan and South Korea’s KAI KF-21, both fifth-generation fighter projects.
- Gulf states, once dependent solely on the US as a security guarantor, are now diversifying:
India’s Defence Ambitions and Structural Challenges
- Under the ‘Make in India’ defence initiative, India aims to become a global defence manufacturing hub.
- According to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh (August 2024): India’s defence imports have reduced to 35% (down from 65–70%).
Missed Opportunities and Lessons Learnt
- The Caracal carbine deal is a case in point:
- UAE-based Caracal won a global tender to supply ~94,000 carbines.
- The deal fell through due to avoidable delays and procurement complexities.
- However, Caracal’s joint venture in Hyderabad signals long-term interest.
- Yet, major exports of indigenous platforms like LCA Tejas and ALH Dhruv are still rare.
- The competitive global market and lack of breakthrough exports remain significant hurdles.
Why Co-Development is the Way Forward
- Both India and Gulf nations are in a volatile geopolitical climate, with post–Cold War arms build-up accelerating.
- India’s defence R&D remains limited, with only 6.59% of the 2023 defence budget allocated to it.
- A realistic approach would prioritise:
- Co-owned R&D funds in areas like counter-drone tech and cybersecurity.
- Private-sector–led manufacturing to create a sustainable industrial base in India.
- Focus Areas for Joint Development
- Start with low-risk, high-value sectors: Armoured vehicles, carbines, small arms, training and mobility equipment, small boats and patrol vessels.
- Gradually expand to larger, strategic platforms: Potential for collaboration in aircraft carrier development, leveraging Indian shipyard expertise.
Challenges and the Need for Alignment
- Defence collaboration is complex, involving:
- Technology transfers
- Intellectual property rights
- National security concerns
- A Western-dominated arms market
- Political will exists, but:
- Bureaucratic red tape
- Slow procurement processes
- Lack of industry alignment has hindered progress.
