On the final day of his UK visit, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh co-chaired the UK-India Defence Industry CEOs Roundtable with UK counterpart Grant Shapps at Trinity House, London. The event saw the participation of top UK defence industry leaders, MoD officials, and representatives from major companies such as BAE Systems, Thales UK, and SAAB UK.
During the roundtable, both ministers welcomed the investment and technology collaboration, emphasizing India's skilled workforce, pro-FDI environment, and expansive domestic market. Rajnath Singh, highlighting India's ambitious development goals under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expressed confidence in achieving developed economy status by 2047.
The Defence Minister stressed the symbiotic relationship between India and the UK, envisioning a strategic partnership for cooperation and innovation. Grant Shapps echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the partnership's strategic nature beyond a mere buyer-seller relationship.
UK industry leaders outlined plans for joint work in aero-engines, electric propulsion, missiles, power-packs, and maritime systems. The Defence Minister praised the UK CEOs' enthusiasm for collaboration with Indian companies.
The visit included a bilateral meeting on January 09, resulting in agreements on a cadet exchange program and defence collaboration in research and development between Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and UK's Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL) .
Singh paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at Tavistock Square, visited the Ambedkar House, and the Sri Swaminarayan temple at Neasden. Scheduled meetings with UK PM Rishi Sunak and Foreign Secretary David Cameron will further strengthen diplomatic ties.
By Manish Poswal
