The two leaders reviewed progress on the various pillars of the UK-India defense partnership.
New Delhi:
India and the UK are “natural partners” in a world that is becoming more “competitive and volatile”, Britain’s Chief of Defense Staff Admiral Sir Tony Radakin said on Monday as he began a three-day visit to India.
Admiral Radakin is participating in a series of high-level meetings in India this week, which continues to build momentum in the strategic relationship between the two countries.
The British CDS began his visit to India by paying homage to fallen soldiers at the National War Memorial this morning ahead of his first meeting with his Indian counterpart General Anil Chauhan.
A British readout said the two heads of state reviewed progress on various pillars of the UK-India defense partnership and exchanged ideas on how to take the relationship forward in all areas.
It said the UK and India are natural partners in the defense sector and share a strong and enduring relationship, including cooperation in research, development and training.
Admiral Radakin said his visit to India reflected the UK’s belief that our security is inseparable from that of the wider world.
“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 widest and most integrated presence of any European nation in the region,” They said.
The readout quoted him as saying, “India and the UK are natural partners in a world that is becoming more competitive and volatile. We share the same democratic instincts and values and are both committed to the rule of law. “
Admiral Radakin said that India and Britain can do more in the field of defense cooperation.
“We respect military powers, both undergoing significant investment and modernisation, and exercising together on land, sea and in the air. But we can do more. I join General Anil Chauhan in this Appreciate the opportunity to discuss how we can develop our partnership.” A way that benefits our mutual security and prosperity,” the British CDS said.
Admiral Radakin held discussions with Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Hari Kumar, Chief of the Army Staff General Manoj Pandey, Defense Secretary Giridhar Armane and Additional Secretary Defense Production T Natarajan.
The release also quoted British Defense Secretary Ben Wallace as saying that India is an important defense partner for the UK and that our research and industrial ties continue to flourish.
“Both our countries are committed to the stability and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific and we will continue to train and conduct operations with our Indian partners to promote security in the region,” he said.
Over the next two days, Admiral Radakin will be hosted by various establishments of the Indian Armed Forces across the country to promote military-to-military engagement and explore opportunities for co-creation of future technologies.
Following the signing of an updated MoU in 2019, discussions on industrial co-operation in the aerospace sector are progressing, with the UK Defense Procurement Minister visiting India in February and the First Sea Lord in March .
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)