In a significant diplomatic stride, UK Defence Secretary Grant Shapps has expressed optimism about a “brand new direction” in the relationship between the United Kingdom and India, highlighting increased collaboration in military hardware, software, and various other domains. Shapps emphasized the natural partnership between the two nations during a meeting with Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, where discussions centered on bilateral defence and security issues.
According to Shapps, the shared interests between India and the UK extend beyond regional conflicts, encompassing global concerns such as the safety of free navigation worldwide. Pointing to the historical ties between the two nations, he underscored the need for expanded cooperation, stating that the meeting has laid the foundation for a new relationship.
Addressing the sensitive issue of Khalistan, Shapps mentioned that the discussion did not extensively delve into the matter, emphasizing a commitment to ensuring justice is served impartially. The Defence Secretary confirmed plans for further meetings between the two ministers later in the year.
Earlier this week, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his British counterpart participated in the India-UK Defence Industry CEOs Roundtable at Trinity House in London. This event marked the first visit of an Indian Defence Minister to the UK in over two decades, indicating the growing importance of the strategic partnership between the two nations.
In a noteworthy announcement, the UK revealed its intention to deploy the Littoral Response Group to the Indian Ocean Region later this year, with the Carrier Strike Group scheduled to visit in 2025. Both groups will engage in joint operations and training exercises with the Indian forces, signaling a deepening commitment to regional security.
The commitment to strengthening ties between the UK and India was reiterated during Rajnath Singh’s visit. The Defence Secretary welcomed Singh to the UK, emphasizing unprecedented levels of defence cooperation between the two nations. Discussions ranged from joint exercises and knowledge sharing to instructor exchanges, aligning with the objectives outlined in the 2030 India-UK roadmap established in 2021.
Looking ahead, the UK and India are set to conduct more intricate military exercises, leading up to a landmark joint exercise before the end of 2030. These collaborative efforts aim to safeguard critical trade routes and uphold the international rules-based system.
Defence Secretary Shapps emphasized the imperative of building strategic relationships in an increasingly contested world. He stressed the shared commitment to maintaining a free and prosperous Indo-Pacific and highlighted the need for continued collaboration to address global security threats.
Industry collaboration is identified as a key component of the strategic defence partnership, with a focus on joint efforts in electric propulsion systems and the development of complex weapons. The UK and India have confirmed several initiatives, including a Letter of Arrangement emphasizing research and development collaboration for next-generation capabilities. Additionally, an agreement on logistics exchange has been solidified, enabling logistical support, supplies, and services between the UK and Indian Armed Forces for various joint activities, including training, exercises, port visits, and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, during his official visit, expressed the mutual desire of both India and the UK to foster strong strategic relations. As diplomatic efforts unfold, the collaboration between the two nations is poised to deepen across multiple domains, promising a future marked by enhanced security cooperation and shared strategic interests.
In a cultural gesture during his visit, Singh paid a visit to the BAPS Swaminarayan Temple (Neasden Temple) in London, Europe’s first authentic and traditionally built Hindu shrine. At the temple, he participated in Abhishek Puja, further underscoring the rich cultural connections between India and the UK.
