In a landmark development, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s official visit to Great Britain has marked the first visit by a sitting Indian Defence Minister to the UK in over two decades. The trip has already seen significant strides in strengthening the defense ties between the two nations.
During a meeting with UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Wednesday, Defence Minister Singh discussed various aspects of bilateral cooperation. Earlier in the day, Singh and his British counterpart, Grant Shapps, participated in the India-UK Defence Industry CEOs Roundtable at Trinity House in London. The meeting included discussions on joint exercises, knowledge sharing, and instructor exchanges.
A noteworthy announcement came from UK Defence Secretary Grant Shapps, who revealed plans to send the Littoral Response Group to the Indian Ocean Region later this year. Additionally, there is a proposal for the Carrier Strike Group to visit Indian waters in 2025, fostering operational collaboration and training with Indian forces.
The two nations affirmed their commitment to unprecedented levels of defense cooperation, as outlined in the 2030 India-UK roadmap established in 2021. The roadmap envisions future joint exercises and initiatives, aiming to protect critical trade routes and uphold the international rules-based system.
Defence Secretary Shapps emphasized the importance of collaboration with industry, highlighting joint efforts between the UK and India in developing electric propulsion systems for future fleets and cooperating on the development of complex weapons.
Several new joint initiatives were confirmed during the visit, including a Letter of Arrangement focusing on research and development for next-generation capabilities. The two nations also solidified an agreement on logistics exchange, facilitating logistic support, supplies, and services between the United Kingdom and Indian Armed Forces.
Defence Minister Singh expressed the mutual desire for strong strategic relations between India and the UK. His visit also included a symbolic visit to the BAPS Swaminarayan Temple (Neasden Temple) in London, underlining the significance of cultural connections in bilateral relations.
The Defence Minister’s visit underscores the growing importance of the strategic relationship between India and the UK, setting the stage for enhanced defense cooperation in the years to come. The commitment to joint initiatives, combined with shared goals, reflects a collaborative effort to address global security challenges in an increasingly contested world.
