In a historic moment, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh was accorded a full ceremonial Guard of Honour at the Horse Guards Parade grounds in London on Tuesday. The event featured a special parade by the British Army’s prestigious Number 7 Company Coldstream Guards and the Band of the Irish Guards.
The regiments showcased in the parade hold significant historical importance in the British Army, making the ceremonial welcome a special and memorable gesture between nations. Following the ceremony, Minister Singh and his UK counterpart, Secretary of State for Defence Grant Shapps, engaged in discussions at the Ministry of Defence regarding shared military commitments and joint training opportunities.
Paying homage to Mahatma Gandhi, Rajnath Singh visited the statue in Tavistock, London, and later departed for the Ambedkar Museum. He also scheduled a visit to the Neasden Temple to offer prayers, reflecting the cultural and spiritual aspects of his visit.
Wednesday’s agenda includes meetings with UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and UK Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Affairs David Cameron. Additionally, the Defence Minister will participate in a community reception, fostering ties between the two nations.
This visit holds historical significance as it marks the first time in 23 years that a sitting Indian Defence Minister has visited the UK. Accompanied by a high-level Ministry of Defence delegation, Singh is engaging with various stakeholders, including CEOs and industry leaders of the UK defence industry, emphasizing the importance of collaboration.
Of notable importance is the ongoing negotiation of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and the UK, which commenced in 2022. The 12th round of negotiations recently took place from August 8-31 this year. The India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, initiated in 2021 along with the Bharat-UK Roadmap 2030, signifies a commitment to a partnership that benefits both nations, as highlighted by the Ministry of External Affairs.
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