13-February-2025-Editorial

INDIA-UK RELATIONS

India and the United Kingdom (UK) are strengthening their strategic partnership across multiple sectors, including defence and clean energy. The agreements signed at Aero India 2025 and the 4th India-UK Energy Dialogue mark significant progress in their collaboration.

Recent Developments in India-UK Relations

Defence Cooperation

• India-UK Defence Partnership (DP-I): A new framework launched to enhance and streamline defence collaboration.
• Defence Manufacturing:

• India and the UK signed an agreement for the supply of Laser Beam Riding MANPADs (LBRM), starting with High-Velocity Missiles (STARStreak) and launchers.
• Joint production of Lightweight Multirole Missiles (LMMs), integrating Indian industries into the UK’s supply chain.
• Establishment of India’s first Advanced Short-Range Air-to-Air Missile (ASRAAM) assembly and testing facility in Hyderabad, benefiting fighter jet capabilities and global exports.

• Electric Propulsion System:

• Both nations will develop an Integrated Full Electric Propulsion (IFEP) system for India’s next-generation Landing Platform Dock (LPD) fleet, expected to be operational by 2030.

Energy Cooperation

• ASPIRE Phase-2: The second phase of the Accelerating Smart Power & Renewable Energy in India (ASPIRE) programme was launched to ensure 24/7 power supply and boost industrial energy efficiency and decarbonization.
• Wind Taskforce: A UK-India Offshore Wind Taskforce was launched to enhance offshore wind energy infrastructure, supply chains, and financing.
• Power Sector Reforms: The continuation of the Power Sector Reforms programme under UK Partnering for Accelerated Climate Transitions (UKPACT) to support India’s transition to a low-carbon economy.

How the UK Can Strengthen India’s Defence Sector

• New Defence Technologies: The India-UK 2030 Roadmap includes UK support in advanced defence technologies, such as jet engine development and electric propulsion.
• Self-Reliance in Defence: The UK is contributing to India’s ‘Make in India, Make for the World’ initiative by co-developing next-generation defence capabilities.
• Strategic Military Presence: The UK is establishing a Littoral Response Group in the Indian Ocean for joint military training. The UK has strategic bases in Oman, Nepal, Brunei, Diego Garcia, and Singapore to enhance regional security.

How the UK Can Support India’s Green Transition

• Investment in Green Projects: The UK has committed USD 1 billion to green initiatives in India through British Investment International, along with a USD 1 billion World Bank guarantee.
• Offshore Wind Energy: The UK’s expertise will assist India in achieving its 30 GW offshore wind energy target by 2030.
• Renewable Energy Initiatives: 67 million Euros invested in Indian solar, water, and climate projects, adding 413 MW of renewable capacity and reducing carbon emissions by 1.14 million tonnes.
• Clean Energy Programs: The UK’s Clean Growth Programme supports businesses in India’s 1.8 trillion Pounds clean energy sector.
• Global Climate Collaboration: India and the UK launched the Green Grids Initiative at COP26, with India joining global efforts like the Glasgow Breakthroughs and the Zero EV Declaration.

Key Aspects of India-UK Bilateral Relations

Trade Relations

• India was the UK’s 11th largest trading partner in 2024, with bilateral trade reaching 42 billion Pounds.
• The India-UK Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO), established in 2005, promotes economic cooperation.

Investment Relations

• India was the UK’s second-largest source of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in 2022-23.
• The UK ranks 6th among foreign investors in India, with an FDI inflow of USD 33.88 billion (April 2000 – March 2023), accounting for 5.34% of total investments.

Defence Cooperation

• Joint Military Exercises:

• Konkan Shakti: The first India-UK tri-service exercise to strengthen defence coordination.
• Cobra Warrior: India’s participation in the UK-led air exercise.
• Ajeya Warrior: A joint Army exercise enhancing military cooperation.

Education and Academic Collaboration

• Recognition of Academic Qualifications: Signed in July 2022 to facilitate mutual recognition of degrees.
• Indian Student Enrollments: 185,000 Indian students enrolled in UK universities in 2022-23.

People-to-People Ties

• Migration and Mobility Partnership (MMP): Signed in May 2021 to ease the movement of professionals between India and the UK.
• Young Professionals Scheme (YPS): Announced at the G20 Bali Summit, allowing graduates (aged 18-30) from both countries to live and work for two years.

Conclusion

India and the UK continue to strengthen their strategic ties in defence, clean energy, trade, and education. The agreements signed at Aero India 2025 and the 4th India-UK Energy Dialogue highlight their commitment to economic growth, sustainability, and regional security. With increasing investments, technology transfers, and collaboration in emerging sectors, both nations are paving the way for a mutually beneficial partnership that aligns with India’s self-reliance goals and global sustainability objectives.