Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and the UK’s Defence Minister Grant Shapps, convened a highly productive bilateral meeting in London on January 9, 2024. The meeting showcased the warmth and cooperation between the two nations, emphasizing their shared goals and a commitment to enhancing defence and security collaboration.
During the meeting, both ministers engaged in a comprehensive discussion on various aspects of defence, security, and cooperation, with a particular focus on bolstering defence industrial ties. Minister Shapps highlighted the depth of the relationship between the UK and India, emphasizing that it is far more than just transactional; rather, it is founded on a strong foundation of commonalities and mutual interests.
Defence Minister Singh also expressed his appreciation for the growing strategic alignment between the two countries, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), he said, “Had an excellent meeting with UK Defence Minister, Mr. Grant Shapps. We reviewed the full range of India-UK defence relations. We had fruitful discussions on a wide range of issues pertaining to defence cooperation, security and also on enhancing defence industrial cooperation.”
Following the bilateral defence meeting, India and the UK inked two significant agreements aimed at fostering closer ties and collaboration. The agreements signed include, Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Bilateral International Cadet Exchange Programme and Letter of Arrangement between Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and UK’s Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL).
Defence Minister’s UK Visit: All you need to know
Rajnath Singh’s visit to London commenced on the evening of January 8, 2024, and began with a tribute to Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation, at his statue in Tavistock Square. It is pertinent to note that, Mahatma Gandhi had studied law at the nearby University College London from 1888 to 1891.
Moreover, prior to the bilateral meeting, the Defence Minister was accorded a ceremonial Guard of Honour at the Horse Guards Parade Ground. Further, during the course of the visit, he also visited Ambedkar Museum in London and paid his respects to Dr. BR Ambedkar, the chief architect of the Indian Constitution. Defence Minister Singh also offered prayers at the BAPS Swaminarayan Temple.
