Mumbai: India and the UK have agreed to further deepen their defence cooperation following a review of existing defence relations. Indian Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth and the UK's Minister of State for Defence Vernon Coaker held a bilateral meeting in Mumbai during the visit of the UK Carrier Strike Group (CSG) to India. According to Kuwait News Agency, both sides examined ongoing defence engagements and explored ways to enhance cooperation. The Indian Ministry of Defense highlighted satisfaction with the successful completion of the sea phase of the bilateral maritime exercise Konkan-25, led by the UK CSG's Prince of Wales, with the Indian Navy off India's western coast. Sanjay Seth emphasized that these operational interactions enhance mutual understanding of operational philosophies and contribute to interoperability between the two navies. The ministers also discussed India's growing capabilities in manufacturing equipment and developing indigenous systems to bolster self-reliance. The dis cussions reaffirmed the commitment to strengthen ties in all spheres, including collaboration and opportunities in global defence supply chains. Both countries reiterated their commitment to enhancing maritime cooperation in the Indo-Pacific and Indian Ocean Region to support a free, open, and rules-based world order ensuring freedom of navigation. The two sides confirmed their dedication to a robust, multifaceted, and mutually beneficial defence partnership, guided by the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and the India-UK Vision 2035. This meeting to deepen defence cooperation follows extensive talks between the UK Prime Minister and Indian Prime Minister, as well as industry leaders in Mumbai, aimed at boosting trade, investment, defence, and security cooperation.
