Cracks In GCC? UAE Eyeing Big Defence Pact And Stronger Security Ties With India Amid Iran War

Last Updated:May 14, 2026, 11:02 IST

According to sources, the UAE was angered by not being invited to Pakistan for discussions related to the Iran war despite being among the worst-affected Gulf states.

As the geopolitical shocks of the US-Iran war continue to reshape regional alliances, the United Arab Emirates is now exploring a major strategic shift towards India. Top diplomatic and security sources have told CNN-News18 that Abu Dhabi is actively working on multiple proposals for a comprehensive bilateral defence and security arrangement with India, in what could emerge as one of the most significant strategic realignments in the Gulf region in recent years.

According to sources, the UAE leadership is keen on formalising a “Saudi-Pakistan style" strategic mutual defence and security framework with India amid growing dissatisfaction with several traditional regional partners, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt and Pakistan, over their perceived tilt towards Iran during the recent conflict.

The development comes ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s scheduled visit to the UAE on May 15, where defence cooperation and broader strategic ties are expected to feature prominently in discussions with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Sources said UAE officials believe the country suffered disproportionately during the US-Israel-Iran conflict. Reports indicate that Iran launched over 550 ballistic and cruise missiles and nearly 2,800 drones targeting the UAE during the war, causing severe security concerns in Abu Dhabi and prompting a reassessment of regional partnerships.

The diplomatic unease has reportedly deepened after a quadrilateral ministerial-level meeting held in Islamabad on March 29-30 involving Pakistan, Türkiye, Saudi Arabia and Egypt. According to top sources, the UAE was particularly angered by not being invited to the discussions related to the Iran conflict despite being among the worst-affected Gulf states during the hostilities.

The UAE’s frustration with Saudi Arabia has also reportedly intensified in recent months. Sources pointed to Abu Dhabi’s decision to quit OPEC as a sign of widening cracks within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Another major source of irritation for the UAE was Saudi Arabia stepping in to financially support Pakistan at a time when Abu Dhabi was allegedly considering tougher financial measures against Islamabad.

Security ties between India and the UAE have already witnessed rapid expansion in recent years through multiple trade, economic and strategic agreements. Sources said National Security Advisor Ajit Doval’s recent visit to Abu Dhabi included discussions on several new security arrangements and mechanisms aimed at deepening bilateral defence cooperation.

Notably, Prime Minister Modi and Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan had signed a Letter of Intent in New Delhi on January 19, 2026, to establish a bilateral strategic defence partnership. UAE officials are now reportedly working to convert that framework into a formalised and operational strategic pact.

Sources indicated that Abu Dhabi increasingly sees India as a stable and reliable long-term security partner capable of helping the UAE balance evolving regional power equations in West Asia.

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