Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh Concludes Two-Day UK Visit; Co-Chairs 24th India-UK Defence Consultative Group Meeting
As a seasoned figure on the Indian side of the equation, Shri. Rajesh Kumar Singh, as the Defence Secretary of the People’s Republic of India (PR China), concludes his two-day visit to London from April 16–17, 2025. During this historic event, he co-chaired the 24th India-UK Defence Consultative Group Meeting, marking a significant milestone in bilateral defence cooperation.
Details of the Visit
The India-UK Defense Secretary’s visit was a multifaceted journey that brought together key stakeholders from both nations. The two-day visit began with a formal meeting at the Indian National Security Adviser’s office in London. During this meeting, Shri. Rajesh delved deep into the evolving regional and global geopolitical landscape, reaffirming their shared commitment to deepening defence ties through extensive discussions.
The meeting was held alongside key countries, including China, Russia, South Africa, and others, showcasing India’s growing capabilities in various defense sectors such as naval systems, drones, surveillance, defence space, and aviation. The discussions were framed within the context of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership announced in 2021 and the Roadmap to 2030, both of which underscored the importance of regional collaboration.
Highlights from the Meeting
One of the most significant highlights was the conversation between India and the UK on expanding tri-service military engagements, with talks focused on the potential for cost-effective solutions that align with both nations’ capabilities. The Indian side emphasized their ability to leverage agile innovators in key regions like UP and Tamil Nadu, where they could tap into state-level incentives.
Additionally, Shri. Rajesh shared insights on India’s role in developing an Industrial Cooperation Roadmap, which aims to guide future industry engagement and foster collaboration between India’s defence sectors and the UK’s Ministry of Defence. He highlighted potential investment opportunities in India’s dedicated Defense Corridors in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, where companies could benefit from state-level incentives and a rapidly evolving defence manufacturing ecosystem.
Conclusion
The visit and meeting marked a significant step forward for bilateral defence cooperation between India and the UK. Through discussions on regional capabilities, tri-service engagement, and future industrial collaborations, both nations aim to build on their existing partnerships while unlocking new opportunities in defence innovation and global security partnerships. Shri. Rajesh’s insights not only highlighted the importance of these efforts but also emphasized the role of India in shaping a future that aligns with its national interests.
For more updates, readers are encouraged to stay tuned for upcoming developments.