India and the United Kingdom have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening defence cooperation during the 15th Executive Steering Group meeting in London….reports Asian Lite News Desk
India and the United Kingdom have explored ways to deepen defence cooperation and strengthen military ties during the 15th Executive Steering Group (ESG) meeting held in the UK from June 17 to 19.
The discussions focused on enhancing interoperability between the Indian Army and the British Army, expanding joint exercises and training programmes, and increasing cooperation in emerging military technologies.
In a statement posted on X on Tuesday, the Indian Army said the engagement included visits to the UK Trials and Experimental Group, meetings at the UK Ministry of Defence in London and interactions at MBDA’s facility in Stevenage.
According to the Indian Army, the two sides reviewed a wide range of initiatives aimed at advancing defence collaboration and building on the long standing partnership between the armed forces of the two countries.
Key areas of discussion included strengthening bilateral military exercises, expanding subject matter expert exchanges, increasing cooperation in niche and emerging defence technologies, exploring new training opportunities and encouraging greater engagement between defence think tanks.
“The deliberations were constructive and forward looking, charting a robust roadmap for deepening defence cooperation and strengthening the enduring partnership between the Indian Army and the British Army,” the Indian Army said.
The meeting comes amid growing strategic engagement between India and the UK across defence, technology and economic sectors.
Last week, senior officials from both countries also discussed enhancing cooperation in artificial intelligence, research, innovation and emerging technologies.
The discussions took place during a meeting between India’s High Commissioner to the UK, P. Kumaran, and Emran Mian, Permanent Secretary at the UK’s Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.
According to the High Commission of India in London, the two sides explored ways to leverage the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) to unlock new opportunities, promote innovation and drive economic growth.
The defence talks also coincide with preparations for the implementation of the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement, which is scheduled to come into force on July 15.
Announcing the development earlier this month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the agreement as a historic milestone in bilateral relations and said it would significantly boost trade and investment between the two countries.
The latest ESG meeting reflects the growing momentum in India-UK relations, with both nations seeking closer cooperation in defence, advanced technologies and economic engagement.
Officials said the discussions helped identify new areas of collaboration while reinforcing existing military partnerships, underscoring the shared commitment of New Delhi and London to expanding their strategic relationship.
