India and UAE strengthen ties in commerce and defense

India and the United Arab Emirates are strengthening bilateral ties through commercial expansion and defense cooperation. Indian brands are increasingly looking to the UAE as a strategic gateway into Middle Eastern markets, though experts note that success requires careful navigation of legal frameworks, market-entry models—such as joint ventures or franchises—and local regulatory requirements.

In the defense sector, the growing number of Rafale fighter jets in both nations presents an opportunity for a joint regional maintenance hub. With India operating and planning to acquire a significant fleet and the UAE ordering 80 Rafale F4 models, the regional concentration of these aircraft may reduce the need to send jets to France for repairs. A key development is Safran Aircraft Engines' plan to open a maintenance facility in Hyderabad, India, by late 2026. This will be the first specialized military M88 engine repair center located outside of France, capable of servicing regional fleets.