-
visit to Delhi comes ahead of
NATO and G7 meetings next week to tackle Russia’s invasion of
Ukraine
- She wants UK to deepen security and defence ties with India
and will announce a new joint cyber programme to protect both
countries from cyber attacks
- The Foreign Secretary will point to the importance of all
countries reducing strategic dependency on Russia at this time of
heightened global insecurity
Foreign Secretary is in India today (Thursday 31 March) as part of a
wider diplomatic push following Russia’s illegal invasion of
Ukraine last month.
In a meeting with India’s External Affairs Minister
Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, the Foreign Secretary will say
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine underlines the importance of
democracies working closer together to deter aggressors, reduce
vulnerability to coercion and strengthen global security.
She wants to counter Russia’s aggression and reduce global
strategic dependence on the country ahead of key NATO and G7
meetings next week.
During her trip, Truss will progress talks to develop
defence-related trade, including innovative security technology,
strengthening defence ties with the world’s largest democracy.
Foreign Secretary said:
“Deeper ties between Britain and India will boost security in the
Indo-Pacific and globally, and create jobs and opportunities in
both countries.
“This matters even more in the context of Russia’s unprovoked
invasion of Ukraine and underlines the need for free democracies
to work closer together in areas like defence, trade and cyber
security.
“India is an economic and tech powerhouse, the world’s largest
democracy and a great friend of Britain, and I want to build an
even closer relationship between our two nations.”
She will also work to deepen cyber security and defence
co-operation between the two countries, and will announce a new
joint cyber security programme.
The programme will aim to protect online infrastructure in both
countries from attacks. India and the UK will work together to
increase cyber security and carry out joint exercises to practise
combatting threats from cybercriminals and ransomware.
The UK and India will also agree to closer maritime co-operation
in the Indo-Pacific. The UK will join India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans
Initiative and become a lead partner on maritime security issues,
coordinating work with key partners in Southeast Asia.
This stronger partnership on maritime security builds on the
visit to India last year by HMS Queen Elizabeth and the Carrier
Strike Group (CSG) – a symbol of the UK’s world leading defence
capability. The CSG took part in the most demanding exercise ever
undertaken between the UK and India, involving all three military
services.
Strengthening ties with India has been a priority for the Foreign
Secretary since taking up the role. This is her second trip to
the country as Foreign Secretary following her visit last October
and her third as a Secretary of State in 13 months.
Since the 2030 Roadmap was agreed last year, the UK and India
have launched free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations.
On her trip the Foreign Secretary will also confirm £70 million
of British International Investment (BII) funding to support
renewable energy use in India. This will help build renewable
energy capacity and develop solar power in the region. She will
also confirm plans for a new platform to allow British investors
to bid for green infrastructure, technology, and business
opportunities in India.
Current volatility in oil and gas prices and energy security
concerns, as a result of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, underscore
the importance of India’s green transition and move towards
energy self-sufficiency.
Notes to editors:
- In May 2021, Prime Minister and Prime Minister Narendra
Modi made an historic commitment to strengthen work between the
UK and India over the next decade. The new Comprehensive
Strategic Partnership and the ‘2030 Roadmap’ will bring our
countries, economies, and people closer together and boost
cooperation in areas that matter to both countries.
- The new cyber programme is part of our Enhanced Cyber
Partnership, as endorsed by PM Johnson and PM Modi in the
UK-India 2030 Roadmap.
- The Foreign Secretary and External Affairs Minister
Jaishankar will address the India-UK Strategic Futures Forum
later today (Thursday, March 31) to set out their vision for the
long-term relationship between the two countries.
- The Foreign Secretary will also confirm plans to hold the
first Strategic Tech Dialogue, a ministerial-level summit on
emerging technology.
