On January 10, 2024, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh concluded his two-day visit to the United Kingdom with a significant meeting at Trinity House, London. The event, a UK-India Defense Industry CEOs Roundtable, was co-chaired by Shri Singh and his UK counterpart, Mr. Grant Shapps.
Who Attended the Roundtable?
The roundtable was attended by a host of CEOs from the UK defense industry, UK MoD officials, the Chair of the UK India Business Council, and CII India representatives. Major companies like BAE Systems, GE Vernova, James Fisher Defense, Leonardo S.p.A., Martin Baker Aircraft Company Ltd, SAAB UK, Thales UK, Ultra-Maritime Rolls-Royce, ADS Group, and MBDA UK were represented.
India Welcomes UK’s Investment and Technology Collaboration
Shri Singh welcomed the UK’s investment and technology collaboration, stating that India, with its skilled human resource base, robust pro-FDI and pro-business ecosystem, and a vast domestic market, is ready for such partnerships.
India’s Ambition to Become a Developed Economy by 2047
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India aims to become a developed economy by 2047. This ambition is backed by a clear roadmap and the collective will of 1.4 billion Indians.
Symbiotic Relationship Between India and the UK
Shri Singh highlighted the symbiotic relationship between India and the UK, envisioning a partnership to cooperate, co-create, and co-innovate. Mr Shapps agreed, stating that the ties transcend the normal buyer-seller relationship and form a strategic partnership.
Future Plans for India by UK Industry Leaders
The UK industry leaders outlined their current and future plans for India, identifying aero-engines, electric propulsion, missiles, power-packs, and maritime systems as focus areas of joint work.
Bilateral Meeting and Signing of Agreements
On January 09, Shri Singh held a bilateral meeting with Mr Shapps, emphasizing enhancing defense industrial cooperation. This was followed by the signing of two agreements – an MoU on a bilateral international cadet exchange programme, and a Letter of Arrangement between DRDO and UK’s DSTL on defense collaboration in research and development.
Paying Tributes and Visits
Shri Singh paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at his statue at Tavistock Square and visited the Ambedkar House in London, the home of Dr. BR Ambedkar during 1921-1922. He also visited the Sri Swaminarayan temple at Neasden.