India is all set to take a big stride in exports of arms and equipment with the defence ministry in the process of tying up with several Gulf countries.

South Block sources confirmed deepening of military ties with these countries with high-level delegations interacting with defence ministry and Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) units.

It was reported that the UAE has also shown interest in purchasing DRDO-developed Astra 70-kilometer range air- to-air missile for its Mirage fighters. The beyond visual range missile has been successfully tested by the Indian Air Force on its Su-30MKI fighter jet and will be soon integrated for test firing on its Mirage 2000 jets.