AMN
India and the UK have agreed to build a range of capability partnerships focussing on varied aspects of military effectiveness. These include specialised training interactions and exchange of best practices in counter terrorism, counter improvised explosive devices, Air Force training, air safety, aircraft carriers, maritime safety, shipbuilding and UN Peacekeeping.
A joint statement issued after talks between Defence Minister Arun Jailtey and his British Counterpart Sir Michael Fallon in New Delhi,said that efforts are already underway with exchanges of subject matter experts to discuss air safety collaboration and future counter terrorism requirements.
Both sides agreed to further strengthen their naval and maritime interactions, including enhanced Maritime Domain Awareness through the bilateral technical agreement to exchange information to track terrorist and pirate vessels. The two Ministers recognised the potential for further cooperation in defence manufacturing between the UK and Indian companies under the ‘Make in India’ framework.
During the talks, Mr Jaitley welcomed the UK’s interest in manufacturing in India on technology transfer opportunities for missile systems and efforts to develop an Advanced Hawk jet trainer.
Mr Arun Jaitley and Sir Michael Fallon also recognised the need for stronger Research and Development cooperation, including access to Defence R&D training, to enable new and vibrant technology partnerships across the Defence domain.
Michael Fallon is on a four day visit India from 11th of this month to attend the India-UK Strategic Defence Dialogue in New Delhi.