During a recent visit to the UK, India’s Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh, met with UK Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak. The main agenda of the meeting was to explore the possibility of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and the UK. The FTA would aim to boost bilateral trade, investment, and economic cooperation between the two countries.

In addition to discussing trade-related matters, Singh and Sunak also focused on government-backed defence technology collaborations. Both leaders expressed their interest in strengthening cooperation in the defence sector. The potential tie-ups in defence technology would involve collaboration between Indian and UK companies, research institutions, and universities.

Singh highlighted India’s initiatives such as Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat, which aim to promote self-reliance and indigenous manufacturing. He encouraged UK companies to participate in these initiatives and discussed the potential benefits of technology transfer and joint ventures in the defence sector.

Furthermore, the meeting emphasized the importance of strategic partnerships in counter-terrorism, maritime security, and cybersecurity. The leaders expressed their commitment to combating global challenges collectively and maintaining peace and stability in the region.

Both Singh and Sunak acknowledged the existing close ties between India and the UK and expressed their determination to further strengthen the bilateral relationship. They highlighted the shared values of democracy, multiculturalism, and rule of law that form the strong foundation of India-UK relations.

The meeting between Rajnath Singh and Rishi Sunak is expected to pave the way for enhanced cooperation between India and the UK in various sectors, including commerce, defence, and security. The discussions on a potential FTA and government-backed defence technology collaborations mark a significant step towards boosting economic and strategic ties between the two countries.