Step change in IndiaUK defence ties, says Mitra

There has been a ‘step change’ in the India-UK relationship in the defence sector since the November 2015 visit here of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, defence secretary Sanjay Mitra said on Tuesday after two days of talks that included the key issue of counterterrorism.

The Defence and International Security Partnership between India and Britain was agreed to during Modi’s visit. It was taken forward during the November 2016 visit of PM Theresa May to New Delhi, with a particular focus on the ‘Make in India’ programme. “We are keen that British companies participate in defence sector, to be fully involved in the strategic partnership. There has been a deepening of ties in the defence area since the prime minister’s visit in November 2015,” Mitra said.

He said key issues in talks with officials of the Ministry of Defence in Whitehall included capability building across areas, cyber security, equipment and supply chains.

No details about the talks related to counterterrorism were disclosed, but New Delhi has been pleased with the explicit comments by defence secretary Michael Fallon on the eve of his visit to India in April this year about terrorism emanating from Pakistan.

Britain has committed to continue its engagement with India’s defence ministry and Indian defence companies to simplify and expedite export controls and to support transfer of technology to enable projects in areas of mutual interest.

NEW DELHI HAS BEEN PLEASED WITH EXPLICIT COMMENTS BY DEFENCE SECY MICHAEL FALLON ABOUT TERRORISM EMANATING FROM PAK