NEW DELHI: India and the UK are “natural partners” in a world that’s “becoming more contested and volatile”, UK chief of defence workers Admiral Tony Radakin stated on Monday, at the same time as the 2 international locations reiterated their dedication to a free, open and safe Indo-Pacific within the face of China’s belligerence within the area.
“As a global trading nation it matters to the UK that the Indo-Pacific is open and free, which is why the British armed forces are establishing the broadest and most integrated presence in the region of any European nation,” Admiral Radakin stated, after assembly his Indian counterpart General Anil Chauhan, the Army and Navy chiefs and the defence secretary at South Block.
The Indian Army will probably be sending a contingent of troopers to the UK for the fight train `Ajeya Warrior’ later this month. This comes quickly after the IAF dispatched 5 Mirage-2000 fighters, two C-17 Globemaster-III plane, one IL-78 mid-air refueler and 145 personnel for the multi-nation train `Cobra Warrior’ within the UK from March 6 to 24.
“India and the UK share many of the same democratic instincts and values, and are both committed to the rule of law. We are respected military powers, both undergoing significant investment and modernisation, and exercising together across, land, sea and air,” Admiral Radakin stated.
“But we can do more. I value the opportunity to meet with Gen Chauhan to discuss how we can develop our partnership in a way that benefits our mutual security and prosperity,” he added.
Royal Air Force chief Air Chief Marshal Mike Wigston can be presently visiting India, which a British official stated exemplifies the significance with which the UK holds its defence and safety partnership with India.
Apart from boosting military-to-military engagements, India and the UK are additionally trying to strengthen ties in defence R&D and industrial collaboration, with discussions already underway within the aerospace sector.