India, UK working to develop industrial cooperation in defence

India and the UK are working closely to develop an Industrial cooperation roadmap to guide future industry engagement in the defence sector and it was discussed at the bilateral defence dialogue in London.

Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, who co-chaired the dialogue, asked UK companies to explore partnerships with Indian innovators to deliver cost-effective and cutting-edge solutions.

UK’s aero-engine making giant Rolls Royce is in the race to partner with India to make the next generation of aero-engines.

The Defence Secretary was on two-day visit from April 16–17, leading a high-level delegation for the annual bilateral defence dialogue with the UK. During the visit, he co-chaired the 24th India-UK Defence Consultative Group meeting with David Williams, Permanent Under Secretary of State for Defence.

The Ministry of Defence said: " Both sides reviewed the evolving regional and global geopolitical landscape and reaffirmed their shared commitment to deepening defence ties. The discussions were held in the context of the comprehensive strategic partnership announced in 2021 and the roadmap to 2030, which continues to steer cooperation between the two nations.

The Defence Secretary also interacted with UK’s National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell. Their talks focused on expanding tri-service military engagements and strengthening collaboration between the two countries’ defence industries.

Addressing participants at the India-UK Defence Industry Roundtable, organised by the UK-India Business Council, Rajesh Kumar Singh highlighted the growing capabilities of Indian start-ups across key defence domains such as naval systems, drones, surveillance, defence space and aviation.

The Defence Secretary invited UK firms to invest in India’s dedicated Defence Corridors in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, where they can take advantage of state-level incentives and a rapidly evolving defence manufacturing ecosystem.