Rajnath Singh Lands In The UK For Defence, Security Dialogue; Talks On 6th Gen Fighter Is Expected
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh arrived in London on Monday for a three-day visit to engage in discussions on various aspects of the India-UK Defence Partnership. The visit aims to strengthen defence, security, and industrial cooperation between the two nations.
Accompanied by a delegation from India’s Ministry of Defence, including senior officials from the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the Service Headquarters, the Department of Defence, and the Department of Defence Production, Singh’s agenda includes a bilateral meeting with UK Defence Secretary Grant Shapps. Additionally, he is expected to meet Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Foreign Secretary David Cameron.
One of the key topics expected to be discussed during Singh’s visit is the possibility of India joining the UK-led initiative for the development of a sixth-generation fighter jet known as the ‘Tempest’. The UK, in collaboration with Italy and Japan, has launched the program, and the project partners have shown interest in India’s participation.
The Ministry of Defence stated, They are expected to discuss a wide range of defence, security, and industrial cooperation issues. India has already embarked on the development of its fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) and is keen to explore partnerships and advancements in military capabilities.
The UK, Italy, and Japan have formed the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) to pursue advanced combat air capabilities beyond the fifth generation. The ambitious project plans to roll out the ‘Tempest’ fighter jet by 2035.
During his visit, Singh is also scheduled to meet with industry leaders from the UK Defence Industry and engage with the Indian community residing in the country. The visit marks a significant milestone, as it is the first defence ministerial-level visit from India to the UK in the last 22 years.
Rahul Roy-Chaudhury, a Senior Fellow for South and Central Asian Defence, Strategy, and Diplomacy at the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), highlights the potential for enhanced military cooperation and defence industrial partnerships between India and the UK. He suggests that the British government may seek to provide an enabling environment for British companies to pursue collaborations in India.
Furthermore, with a shared focus on the Indo-Pacific region, there is an opportunity to strengthen naval and maritime security cooperation with countries such as Oman and Kenya, which host UK military and naval presence. This collaboration aligns with the Indian Navy’s expanding role and influence in the western Indian Ocean region.
The visit by Rajnath Singh signifies the growing importance of India-UK defence relations and opens doors for mutually beneficial collaborations in the future. With discussions on the sixth-generation fighter jet on the agenda, the visit holds promise for advancements in military capabilities and bilateral partnerships.
As Singh engages in high-level meetings and explores opportunities for cooperation, the visit sets the stage for a new chapter in the India-UK Defence Partnership.
