India, UK draw up roadmap to expand defence cooperation between armies
New Delhi, June 24. India and the United Kingdom have held what officials described as “constructive and forward-looking” discussions aimed at deepening defence ties and charting a stronger framework for cooperation between their armies.
The 15th India-UK Executive Steering Group (ESG) meeting was held in the UK from June 17 to 19, according to the Indian Army.
As part of the engagement, the Indian delegation visited the UK Trials and Experimental Group, participated in discussions at the UK Ministry of Defence in London and toured MBDA’s facilities in Stevenage.
The talks focused on expanding multi-layered military cooperation through greater interoperability between the two armies, enhanced bilateral exercises and training activities, and exchanges of expertise in niche and emerging military technologies.
The two sides also explored new opportunities for collaboration in military training and discussed increasing engagement between defence think tanks to support long-term strategic cooperation.
According to a post the Indian Army’s X handle, the deliberations helped lay out a robust roadmap for strengthening defence cooperation and further reinforcing the longstanding partnership between the Indian Army and the British Army.
The discussions come against the backdrop of growing strategic convergence between New Delhi and London. Earlier this month, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said India and the UK were well placed to build a future-oriented and mutually beneficial partnership, supported by the recently concluded comprehensive trade agreement and an expanding defence industrial roadmap.
Jaishankar made the remarks during his meeting with British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper in New Delhi.
