Defense News , UK & India :- In a move highlighting the growing friendship between the UK and India, the UK government has revealed plans to send its advanced naval forces to the Indian Ocean region. This initiative, known as the Littoral Response Group (LRG), will take place later this year, followed by joint training with Indian forces in 2025 as part of the Carrier Strike Group (CRG). The UK Ministry of Defence sees this as a crucial step in enhancing the security ties between the two nations.
Defence Secretary Grant Shapps emphasized the importance of strengthening strategic relationships in the face of global challenges. He stated, "We share the same security challenges and are committed to maintaining a free and prosperous Indo-Pacific. This partnership is growing stronger, and together, we must ensure global security against threats that aim to destabilize us."
The LRG, composed of Royal Navy amphibious warfare ships, and the CRG, the Royal Navy's aircraft carrier battle group, previously conducted joint exercises with Indian forces during its inaugural deployment in the Indo-Pacific in 2021.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, co-chairing an India-UK Defence Industry CEOs Roundtable, expressed optimism about the partnership, envisioning collaboration, innovation, and cooperation between the two countries. The Ministry of Defence highlighted that this deployment marks an intensified partnership during Singh's first visit to the UK.
Future collaborations between the UK and India include more complex military exercises leading up to a significant joint exercise before the end of 2030. Discussions between senior ministers covered various aspects, from joint exercises to knowledge sharing, instructor exchanges, and the development of electric propulsion systems and advanced weapons.
New initiatives announced during Singh's visit include the Launching Defence Partnership-India, which aims to enhance defense collaboration, and agreements for instructor exchanges, youth exchanges, and logistic support. These initiatives build on the comprehensive strategic partnership outlined in the 2030 India-UK Roadmap.
Singh's visit to the UK concludes with engagements with the Indian community at a diaspora reception, reinforcing the bond between the two nations.
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