NEW DELHI: India and Britain are pure companions in a world that’s “becoming more contested and volatile”, the UK’s Chief of Defence Staff mentioned on Monday as he started a three-day go to geared toward enhancing strategic ties.

Admiral Tony Radakin held talks together with his Indian counterpart, Gen Anil Chauhan, as a part of a collection of high-level conferences. His journey coincides with a go to by the Royal Air Force chief Air Chief Marshal Mike Wigston, reflecting the significance hooked up by the UK to the defence and safety partnership with India.

Radakin and Chauhan reviewed the progress of the UK-India defence partnership and mentioned methods to broaden ties in all domains. The UK and India share a powerful relationship, together with collaboration in analysis, improvement and coaching, the UK excessive fee mentioned in a press release.

“India and the UK are natural partners in a world that is becoming more contested and volatile. We share many of the same democratic instincts and values and are both committed to the rule of law,” Radakin mentioned.

“We are respected military powers, both undergoing significant investment and modernisation and exercising together across, land, sea and air. But we can do more.”

The assembly with Chauhan was a chance to debate “how we can develop our partnership in a way that benefits our mutual security and prosperity”, he added.

Radakin additionally held talks with the Indian Navy chief, Admiral Hari Kumar, the military chief, Gen Manoj Pande, defence secretary Giridhar Aramane and extra secretary for defence manufacturing T Natarajan.

Over the following two days, Radakin will go to varied institutions of the Indian armed forces to spice up military-to-military engagement and discover alternatives for the co-creation of future applied sciences.

Radakin started his go to by paying homage to fallen troopers on the National War Memorial, forward of his first assembly with Chauhan.

He mentioned his go to to India displays the UK’s “belief that our security is indivisible from that of the wider world”. He added, “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 is establishing the broadest and most integrated presence in the region of any European nation.”

Following the signing of an up to date memorandum of understanding in 2019, there was progress in discussions between India and the UK on industrial collaboration within the aerospace sector. The UK minister for defence procurement visited India in February and the naval chief visited in March.

British defence minister Ben Wallace described India as a “valued defence partner” and mentioned each nations are dedicated to the steadiness and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific. The UK’s armed forces proceed to coach and function alongside Indian companions to advertise safety within the area, he mentioned.

Britain’s military, air power and navy are all conducting workouts with their Indian counterparts this 12 months to develop interoperability and joint ways.

In current weeks, the British warship HMS Lancaster visited Kochi to coach with the Indian Navy underneath Exercise Konkan, and 5 Mirage 2000 fight jets of the Indian Air Force participated within the UK’s largest aerial wargame, Exercise Cobra Warrior.

Later in April, the Indian Army will take part in Exercise Ajeya Warrior within the UK.