The upcoming deployment of the Carrier Strike Group, named Operation Highmast, is described as an opportunity for the armed forces to conduct a major global deployment and a chance to exercise complex operations with India
A review of defence ties, with a particular focus on enhancing defence industry collaboration and boosting the ‘Make in India’ initiative, were on the agenda of the 24th India-UK Defence Consultative Group discussions here this week.
British Permanent Secretary David Williams co-chaired the dialogue with India’s Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, which was aimed at deepening bilateral defence cooperation. The successful completion of the regular dialogue was confirmed by the defence ministries on both sides in social media updates.
“The 24th India-UK Defence Consultative Group meeting in London saw Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and UK counterpart David Williams co-chair discussions, aimed at deepening bilateral defence cooperation,” the Indian Ministry of Defence said.
“Key focus areas included expanding defence industry collaboration and promoting the ‘Make in India’ initiative, especially in niche and emerging technologies,” the statement added.
It comes as the Ministry of Defence announced the final preparations for aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales to sail from Portsmouth on April 22 for its Indo-Pacific deployment, including planned port visits in India.
The upcoming deployment of the Carrier Strike Group, named Operation Highmast, is described as an opportunity for the UK’s armed forces to conduct a major global deployment and a chance to exercise complex operations alongside partners and allies such as India.
“The group will transit through the Indian Ocean, conducting exercises and port visits with partners including the US, India, Singapore and Malaysia, before joining 19 partner nations for Exercise Talisman Sabre near Australia, and then training alongside the Japanese Self-Defence Forces and conducting a port visit to India,” stated the UK Ministry of Defence.
The Indo-Pacific is seen as a “critical region” for UK trade, with imports and exports in the region worth billions of pounds for the UK economy. The deployment will also provide a chance for UK companies to take part in trade events during port visits.
According to the Ministry of Defence, the discussions focused on enhancing defence industry collaboration and boosting the Make in India initiative.
In a post on X, the Directorate of Public Relations, Ministry of Defence, stated, “Defence Secy Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh co-chaired the 24th India-UK Defence Consultative Group meet with his UK counterpart David Williams in London. Both sides reviewed defence ties, focusing on enhancing defence industry collaboration & boosting the #MakeInIndia initiative, especially in niche tech.”
Earlier on April 9, the 13th Ministerial meeting of the India-UK Economic and Financial Dialogue (13th EFD) was held in London. The Indian delegation, led by Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman, held high-level discussions with the UK delegation led by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves. During the 13th EFD, the UK announced 400 million euros in export and investment deals with India.
In a post on X, the UK Government’s economic and finance ministry wrote, “We’ve announced £400m in export and investment deals with India, boosting our tech and financial sectors. India, our 11th largest trading partner, is set to become the world’s third-largest economy by 2028. These deals will drive growth as part of our Plan for Change.”
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to continue collaboration in financial services sector, FinTech and Digital economy and between the respective regulatory bodies; collaboration at bilateral and multilateral fora to address mutual and global economic issues including mobilising affordable finance and investment for low carbon economic growth, taxation matters and illicit financial flows, according to Ministry of Finance press release.
