In a significant move to bolster their defence cooperation, the United Kingdom’s Defence Minister, Grant Shapps, has declared that a British aircraft carrier strike group will visit the Indian Ocean Region in 2025. The announcement came during the inaugural visit of Bharat’s Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh, to the UK, marking the first such visit by an Bharat Defence Minister in two decades.
The discussions between the two nations included plans to enhance their defence partnership, with a focus on conducting more complex military exercises. Shapps emphasized the importance of building strategic relationships in the face of increasing global challenges. “We share the same security challenges and are steadfast in our commitment to maintaining a free and prosperous Indo-Pacific,” he stated.
Collaboration between the UK and Bharat extends beyond military exercises, with a particular focus on industry involvement. Both nations are actively working on electric propulsion systems for future fleets and jointly developing complex weapons. Shapps highlighted the significance of such partnerships in addressing evolving security needs.
To further deepen their cooperation, Bharat and the UK have agreed to increase instructor exchanges between training colleges and specialist schools. Additionally, they are working towards signing an agreement on logistics exchange for joint training, port visits, and humanitarian assistance operations. The emphasis on research and development for next-generation capabilities was also underlined during the discussions.
In a move aimed at institutionalizing and streamlining their collaboration, the two nations announced the launch of Defence Partnership-Bharat. This bespoke office will serve as a dedicated hub focused on advancing defence cooperation, marking a concrete step towards fostering long-term strategic ties.
As the world grapples with increasing geopolitical complexities, the commitment of Bharat and the UK to fortify their defence ties reflects a shared understanding of the evolving security landscape. The upcoming visits of a British aircraft carrier strike group and a high-readiness littoral response group underscore the tangible steps being taken to ensure the stability and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific region.
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