India and the United Kingdom have made an important advancement in their defence partnership. This was highlighted during the 25th India-UK Defence Consultative Group meeting, co-chaired by India’s Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and Britain’s Permanent Under Secretary for Defence, Jeremy Pocklington, in New Delhi. This marked Pocklington’s first trip to India in his new role, where the two nations discussed their growing defence relationship, especially in research and development as part of the India-UK Vision 2035 and the Ten-Year Defence Industrial Roadmap.
The discussions also emphasized enhancing military cooperation, particularly through joint exercises, training, and building capabilities within the armed forces of both countries. The talks addressed maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region, especially considering China’s increasing presence. Both countries recognized advancements made through the Regional Maritime Security Centre of Excellence, part of the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative.
Before the consultative meeting, Pocklington paid his respects by laying a wreath at the National War Memorial, honoring the brave soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the nation. He also visited the Gandhi Smriti Museum and the National Defence College in New Delhi and held discussions with Chief of Defence Staff General Raja Subramani.
Over the years, the defence relationship between India and the UK has developed into a structured partnership involving joint exercises, naval visits, and air force collaborations to enhance interoperability between their military forces. A significant step in this partnership occurred last July during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to London, where both countries agreed on the ten-year Defence Industrial Roadmap. This plan focuses on the co-development and production of advanced defence technologies in support of India’s push for self-reliance, known as Atmanirbharta.
This comprehensive partnership is supported by various frameworks, including the 2+2 Dialogue and Executive Steering Groups spanning all three military services. These mechanisms provide ongoing discussions on technology transfer and procurement. The partnership has also benefited from the India-UK Free Trade Agreement finalized last year.
Looking ahead, both nations agreed to prioritize a broader range of cooperation, including advanced technologies like electric propulsion and jet engine development, while also strengthening ties on counter-terrorism, cyber security, and irregular migration. With the Defence Industrial Roadmap in place, the next decade promises enhanced collaboration on advanced systems, further integrating the UK into the security dynamics of the Indo-Pacific region and bolstering India’s own technological and strategic autonomy.
