The Prime Minister will reiterate the vital
importance of the UK-India partnership for global peace and
security, as he visits New Delhi today [Friday].
He is expected to discuss next-generation defence and security
collaboration across the five domains - land, sea, air, space and
cyber - in meetings with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as our
nations face complex new threats.
This includes support for new Indian-designed and built fighter
jets, offering the best of British know-how on building
battle-winning aircraft. The UK will also seek to support India’s
requirements for new technology to identify and respond to
threats in the Indian Ocean.
To support greater defence and security collaboration with India
over the coming decade, the UK will issue an Open General Export
Licence (OGEL) to India, reducing bureaucracy and shortening
delivery times for defence procurement. This is our first OGEL in
the Indo-Pacific region.
Prime Minister said:
“The world faces growing threats from autocratic states which
seek to undermine democracy, choke off free and fair trade and
trample on sovereignty.
“The UK’s partnership with India is a beacon in these
stormy seas. Our collaboration on the issues that matter to both
our countries, from climate change to energy security and
defence, is of vital importance as we look to the future.
“I look forward to discussing these issues with Prime
Minister Modi in New Delhi today and working together to deliver
a more secure and prosperous future for both our peoples.”
The Prime Minister will also discuss new cooperation on clean and
renewable energy in his meetings in New Delhi today, aimed at
supporting India’s energy transition away from imported oil and
increasing its resilience through secure and sustainable energy,
and addressing climate change in both the UK and India.
The UK and India are launching a virtual Hydrogen Science and
Innovation hub to accelerate affordable green hydrogen, as
well as new funding for the Green Grids Initiative announced at
COP26, and collaboration on joint work
on the electrification of public transport across
India.
As well as boosting our domestic energy and economic resilience,
the UK and India are collaborating as a force for good globally.
Our governments are committing up to £75 million to roll out
adaptable clean tech innovations from India to the wider
Indo-Pacific and Africa, and working together on international
development and girls education.
