India, UK want strong strategic relations: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh
London [UK]: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized the shared desire for strong strategic relations between India and the UK during his official visit to the UK. Singh stated that both countries aim to strengthen comprehensive strategic relations.
As part of his visit, Singh visited the BAPS Swaminarayan Temple, also known as the Neasden Temple, in London. The temple holds significant cultural value and is Europe’s first authentic and traditionally built Hindu shrine. Singh participated in the Abhishek Puja ceremony at the temple, further highlighting the cultural connections between India and the UK.
Prior to visiting the temple, Singh held a bilateral meeting with his UK counterpart, Grant Shapps. The discussions focused on defense cooperation, security, and enhancing defense-industrial collaboration. The two leaders reviewed the entire spectrum of India-UK defense relations.
Singh expressed his appreciation for the growing strategic convergence between the two countries, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region. Shapps emphasized that the India-UK relationship is not transactional but based on shared goals and commonalities.
During their meeting, India and the UK signed two important agreements. The first agreement is a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the conduct of a bilateral international cadet exchange program. The second agreement is a Letter of Arrangement between India’s Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) and the UK’s Defense Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL), focusing on defense collaboration in research and development. These agreements aim to enhance people-to-people exchanges, particularly among the youth, and foster greater defense research collaboration between the two countries.
Upon his arrival in London, Singh received a Guard of Honour at the Horse Guards Parade grounds. The British Army’s Number 7 Company Coldstream Guards and the Band of the Irish Guards held a special parade in his honor. Such ceremonial welcomes signify the high honor bestowed by one nation upon another.
Additionally, Singh paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi by visiting his statue in Tavistock, London.
During the remainder of his visit, Singh is scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and the UK’s Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, David Cameron. He will also participate in a community reception in the UK.
This visit marks the first time in 23 years that a sitting Indian Defence Minister has traveled to the UK. Singh is accompanied by a high-level delegation from India’s Ministry of Defence, comprising senior officials from the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO), Service Headquarters, the Department of Defence, and the Department of Defence Production.
The visit of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh signifies the commitment of both India and the UK to strengthening strategic relations and fostering closer defense cooperation. The signed agreements and cultural connections between the two countries further reinforce the shared goals and common interests in the Indo-Pacific and beyond.
