India-UK Defense ties reach new heights with defence Industry CEOs roundtable
Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is on an official visit to United Kindom. Rajnath Singh met Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Rishi Sunak earlier today. This visit by the Union Defence Minister to the United Kingdom is the...
03:48 PM Jan 11, 2024 IST
|
Preeti Dalal
Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is on an official visit to United Kindom. Rajnath Singh met Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Rishi Sunak earlier today. This visit by the Union Defence Minister to the United Kingdom is the first-ever visit by an Indian Defence Minister in the last 20 years.
Apart from meeting Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, the defence minister also held a round table with his counterpart at the Trinity house in London. The CEOs of the India-UK defence industries also attended the round-table.
UK Defence Secretary Grant Shapps announced plans for the deployment of the UK's Littoral Response Group to the Indian Ocean Region later this year. Furthermore, a proposal was made for the Carrier Strike Group to visit Indian waters in 2025, with both groups engaging in joint operations and training alongside Indian forces.
Defence Minister of India with Defence Secretary of UK
Strategic Plans Unveiled: UK's Littoral Response Group in the Indian Ocean
The visit took on a strategic dimension when UK Defence Secretary Grant Shapps announced plans to deploy the UK's Littoral Response Group to the Indian Ocean later this year. Furthermore, discussions included a proposal for the Carrier Strike Group to visit Indian waters in 2025, emphasizing joint operations and training with Indian forces.
Strengthening Strategic Ties: Commitment to Increased Cooperation
During their discussions, Defence Secretary Shapps warmly welcomed Rajnath Singh to the UK. Both leaders expressed their commitment to enhancing UK-India defence cooperation, recognizing the increasingly competitive global environment. They pledged to strengthen ties through joint exercises, knowledge sharing, and instructor exchanges.
Looking ahead to 2030, they outlined plans for more complex military exercises and a significant joint exercise before the end of the decade. Their shared goals include safeguarding critical trade routes and upholding the international rules-based system, as outlined in an official release.
Shapps underscored the importance of industry collaboration in the strategic defense partnership, highlighting ongoing initiatives related to electric propulsion systems and joint development of advanced weapons.
The two nations confirmed new joint initiatives, including a Letter of Arrangement focusing on research and development for next-generation capabilities. Additionally, they solidified an agreement on logistics exchange, facilitating support between the UK and Indian Armed Forces for collaborative activities.
Cultural Gesture: Rajnath Singh's Visit to the Temple
Beyond the strategic discussions, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh added a cultural touch to his visit by paying a visit to the BAPS Swaminarayan Temple (Neasden Temple) in London. His participation in the special prayer emphasized the significance of cultural diplomacy in fostering understanding and cooperation between the two nations, showcasing the depth of their relationship.
Also Read-Aligarh crafts a massive 50 kg lock as a special gift for Ram Mandir in Ayodhya
OTT India updates you with the latest news, Country’s no.1 digital news platform OTT India, Keeps you updated with national, and international news from all around the world. For more such updates, download the OTT India app on your Android and IOS device.
Next Article