The Defence Secretary Sir visited India this week
to strengthen UK-Indian defence and
security relations.
Sir Michael attended today the first meeting as part of the 2015
Defence and International Security Partnership (DISP), with his
Indian counterpart Arun Jaitley.
The pair discussed UK-Indian defence industries, upcoming
exercises and global security among other topics. The Defence
counterparts jointly set out their ambitions to design, make,
exercise, transform, train and co-operate together. They
reaffirmed their intent for a stronger, deeper, wider
relationship that delivers growth and jobs in the UK and India,
improves regional security and supports both nations’ interests
globally.
UK Defence Secretary Sir said:
As Britain steps up globally, we continue to develop our close
security partnership with India. Our countries are recognised
globally as leaders in defence and we remain steadfast in our
commitment to regional security, growing our defence industries
and supporting our mutual interests.
Our nations face the same threats and we will work closely
together to harness British expertise and Indian brain power to
develop cutting edge technologies and equipment that benefit
both of our Armed Forces.
The Defence Secretary visited Mumbai and Delhi over three days.
During the visit Sir Michael laid a wreath at the Taj Mahal
Palace Hotel in Mumbai to commemorate the 2008 terror attacks,
visited an Indian Naval ship, delivered speeches at two think
tank events and laid a wreath at Delhi’s India Gate to honour
Indians who fought and died in the First World War.
Today’s meeting between the Defence Ministers marked the
inaugural annual UK-India Strategic Defence Dialogue, as laid out
in the DISP. The DISP agreed to Capability Partnerships to help
collaborate with Indian industry under the Make in India agenda
and Defence Minister addressed the Make in
India Conference in February this year.
Over the past decade, the UK has exported £2.15 billion of
defence equipment and services to India. From learning from each
other on joint aircraft carrier journeys, to collaboration on
defence science and technology projects, the UK and India are
elevating their partnership, bringing greater opportunities for
their respective defence industries and Armed Forces.
