Syllabus: GS-II
Subject: International Relations
Topic: Bilateral Relations
Issue: India-U. K Relations.
Context: This is the first visit by an Indian Defence Minister to the U.K after over two decades, the last visit was by George Fernandes in 2002. Historic collaboration.
Synopsis:
- India and the U.K. signed MoU for international cadet exchange and LoA on defence collaboration in R&D.
- Talks emphasized defence relations, security issues, and enhancing defence industrial cooperation.
- Also stressing a non-transactional, natural partnership between the two countries.
- The LoA on R&D involves India’s DRDO and the U.K.’s DSTL, fostering people-to-people exchanges and defence research collaboration.
- Rajnath Singh paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi in London and received a Guard of Honour before bilateral meetings.
| UK’s Significance for India: | Support for UNSC seat, NSG membership, and development objectives. Economic and technological partnership. Defense and security cooperation. |
| India’s Significance for UK | Role in “Global Britain” ambitions. Seizing opportunities in the Indo-Pacific. Economic ties, investments, and rejuvenation of the Commonwealth. |
Conclusion: Rajnath Singh’s historic U.K. visit emphasizes defense collaboration and partnership.
