Strengthening India-UK Defence Relations
The India-UK defence relationship has significantly evolved, demonstrated by enhanced military collaborations and the ambitious India-UK Vision 2035, aiming for robust future cooperation.
Military Exercises and Cooperation
- Exercise Ajeya Warrior:
- The British Army's Royal Gurkha Rifles and the Indian Army's Sikh Regiment participated in its eighth iteration in Rajasthan.
- The exercise has grown in complexity, focusing on multi-domain operations.
- In 2023, Indian soldiers integrated with the British Army's 16th Air Assault Brigade in the UK, enhancing mutual military capabilities and tactics.
- Exercise KONKAN:
- Involved the UK’s Carrier Strike Group, led by HMS Prince of Wales, and India’s Carrier Strike Group, led by INS Vikrant.
- Featured complex maritime manoeuvres and an air defence exercise.
- Marked the first joint exercise of UK and Indian carriers, and the first Indian carrier group's multi-national exercise participation.
Defence Industrial Cooperation
- Recently agreed 10-year Defence Industrial Roadmap between India and the UK.
- £350-million agreement to supply Lightweight Multirole Missile systems to the Indian Army.
- Developing maritime electric propulsion systems for Indian naval platforms, integrating UK innovations.
Knowledge Sharing and Training
- Indian officers participate as instructors at UK military institutions like the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.
- Future plans to integrate Indian Air Force Qualified Flying Instructors into the UK Royal Air Force training.
Shared Commitment and Global Role
- Both nations share a commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific, respecting sovereignty, freedom of navigation, and international law.
- The UK supports PM Modi's vision of India as a developed nation by 2047.
The India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement further complements the defence cooperation, enhancing mutual security and prosperity.
