New Delhi: India and the UK have committed to enhancing their cooperation in developing advanced weapons and technologies, as well as combating terrorism, including its financing and the cross-border movement of terrorists. This agreement was formalized in the ‘India-UK Vision 2035,’ endorsed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
The Vision emphasizes the importance of strengthening the defence partnership, expanding military engagements, and advancing collaborative defence capabilities. A key component of the Vision is the establishment of a 10-year Defence Industrial Roadmap, along with a joint mechanism at a senior official level to oversee its implementation. The existing Foreign and Defence 2+2 dialogue will be elevated, and cooperation under the Indo-Pacific Oceans’ Initiative will be enhanced through the creation of a Regional Maritime Security Centre of Excellence. This aims to address non-traditional maritime security threats and positions India as a logistical hub for UK armed forces in the Indian Ocean Region. Additionally, there will be a focus on research and development of new capabilities, including underwater systems and directed energy weapons.
The Vision 2035 also condemns terrorism in all its forms and emphasizes the need for international cooperation to combat it comprehensively. It outlines strategies to counter radicalization, combat terrorist financing, and prevent the misuse of emerging technologies for terrorist activities. Strengthening bilateral and multilateral cooperation in information sharing, judicial cooperation, and capacity building is also a priority.
The Vision aims to protect citizens from transnational organized crime, including cybercrime and illicit financial flows, and to enhance security cooperation, particularly regarding irregular migration. By 2035, the partnership is expected to redefine the India-UK relationship, delivering significant benefits for both nations. The Vision is anchored in sustained high-level political engagement, with regular meetings between the two Prime Ministers to provide strategic oversight. The implementation of the Vision will be reviewed annually by the External Affairs Minister of India and the UK Foreign Secretary, ensuring that the partnership remains dynamic and aligned with shared strategic interests. Both countries are also committed to concluding a Bilateral Investment Treaty and view the Free Trade Agreement as a starting point for their ambitious partnership for growth. UNI
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