Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh met UK Defence Minister Grant Shapps and reviewed the full range of India-UK defence relations. Both Ministers discussed a range of defence, security and cooperation matters with particular emphasis on enhancing defence industrial collaboration.
In a social media post, Singh said, we had fruitful discussions on a wide range of issues pertaining to defence cooperation, security and also on enhancing defence industrial cooperation. The Raksha Mantri noted with appreciation the growing strategic convergence between the two countries, particularly in the Indo-Pacific.
In the meeting, Grant Shapps stressed that the relationship between UK and India is not transactional. He added that both the countries are natural partners with many commonalities and shared goals.
The bilateral defence meeting was followed by the signing of two agreements between India and UK. MoU was signed on conduct of bilateral international cadet exchange programme. An another MoU was also signed between Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and UK’s Defence Science and Technology Laboratory on defence collaboration in research and development.
These MoUs will provide impetus to the people-to-people exchanges particularly among the youth, and larger area of defence research collaboration between the two countries.
Rajnath Singh is on a two day visit to UK. Earlier, Singh inspected the Guard of Honour ahead of his bilateral meeting with UK Defence Minister in London. He also paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi at his statue in Tavistock, London.
Mahatma Gandhi had studied law at the nearby University College London from 1888 to 1891. 9th January is a symbolic date from the perspective of Mahatma Gandhi’s return from South Africa to Mumbai in 1915, which is commemorated in the form of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in India, marking the rich contribution of the Overseas Indian community towards the development of the country.
During his visit, Singh is also expected to call on UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and hold a meeting with Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs David Cameron. He will also interact with the CEOs and industry leaders of the UK Defence Industry and meet with the Indian community in London.