London [UK], January 9 (ANI): Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh arrived in the United Kingdom on Monday night for a visit that aims to strengthen bilateral ties and discuss key defence and security issues with his UK counterpart, Secretary of State for Defence Grant Shapps.
The visit, as stated by the Ministry of Defence (MoD), marks the first time in 23 years that a sitting Indian Defence Minister has visited the UK. Accompanying Rajnath Singh is a high-level Ministry of Defence delegation, including senior officials from various departments.
During his stay, the Defence Minister will engage in discussions with Secretary of State for Defence Grant Shapps, touching upon a wide range of defence, security, and industrial cooperation matters. The two leaders are expected to further solidify the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, launched in 2021.
In addition to meetings with Grant Shapps, Rajnath Singh is scheduled to call on UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and hold talks with Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Affairs David Cameron. These interactions underline the significance of the visit in reaffirming the bilateral relations between the two nations.
To enhance economic cooperation, Rajnath Singh will also engage with CEOs and industry leaders from the UK defence industry. This will provide a platform to strengthen collaboration and explore opportunities for strategic partnerships.
Beyond official engagements, the Defence Minister will take the opportunity to connect with the Indian community residing in the UK. This interaction aims to foster cultural exchanges and hear the perspectives of the Indian diaspora.
The visit assumes even greater significance, given the ongoing negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and the UK. Talks began in 2022, and the 12th round of negotiations took place from August 8-31, 2023. The FTA holds immense potential to boost trade and economic ties between the two nations.
With the India-UK Roadmap 2030 also in place, the visit of Rajnath Singh reinforces the commitment of both countries to a partnership that delivers mutual benefits.
The Defence Minister’s visit to the UK comes at a time when global security challenges necessitate collaboration and cooperation among nations. It signifies the strong bond shared by India and the UK, as they work together to address shared concerns and pave the way for a secure future.
The discussions and outcomes of this visit are poised to shape the trajectory of India-UK relations in the defence and security domains. As the visit progresses, the Ministry of Defence will closely monitor the developments and assess their impact on the strategic partnership.
Rajnath Singh’s visit to the UK is a testament to the growing importance of bilateral relations and the willingness of both nations to reinforce their ties for a more secure and prosperous future.
