India, UK renew defence accord

India’s defence co-operation with the UK is set to receive a boost with the two countries renewing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) amid their keenness to identify mutual capability needs and collaborate in the areas of defence and security.

The Defence Equipment Cooperation MoU renews the one signed on April 1, 1997, which was subsequently renewed on April 2007.

“The signing of this memorandum of understanding underpins the collaboration between our two nations, building on our defence ties, and ensuring our nations are able to combat emerging threats for generations to come,” said UK Defence Minister Stuart Andrew.

By collaborating and exploiting procurement opportunities together, both nations will be able to benefit from technological and manufacturing capabilities and support long-term cooperation

between their defence and security industries, a statement issued by the British High Commission said yesterday.

The pact was signed by Air Marshal Richard Knighton on behalf of the UK Ministry of Defence, and Barun Mitra, Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Defence on behalf of the Indian government, the High Commission statement said.

“As major world economies, Britain and India both have a proud global maritime history, with impressive futures ahead,” Andrew said, according to the statement.

At bilateral defence and security equipment talks in London last week, the two nations agreed to re-double efforts to identify mutual defence and security capability needs and collaborate on solutions, it said.

The agreement, which marks a change in India and the United Kingdom’s defence relationship, comes after a visit by India’s Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Sunil Lanba, to Queen Elizabeth in Portsmouth last month.