Syllabus: GS-II
Subject: International Relations
Topic: Bilateral relations involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.
Context: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will embark on a two-day visit to the U.K. to rejuvenate strategic and security ties between, including possible collaboration to jointly develop fighter jets and other military platforms.
Synopsis:
- It is expected that discussions will be on a wide range of issues in the spheres of defence, security and industrial cooperation.
- The talks would largely focus on sharing of critical technology and expanding bilateral industrial defence cooperation.
- In April 2022, Prime Ministers of both countries had agreed on a new and expanded India-UK defence partnership.
- UK also created an Open General Export Licence (OGEL) for India to “reduce bureaucracy and slashing delivery times for defence procurement”.
| India-UK relationship:· upgraded to Strategic Partnership in September 2004 and Elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2021.
· Major trading partners. UK is listed 19th among the top 25 trading partners of India. · The India diaspora in UK is one of the largest ethnic minority communities in the country. Major Issues: · Free Trade Agreement (FTA) Negotiations: differences over tariff reductions, particularly in agriculture and dairy, and intellectual property rights. · Pro-Khalistan Activities in the UK · Human Rights: The UK has frequently raised concerns about human rights issues in India. · Russia-Ukraine War: This divergence in strategic views. India’s neutrality and continued imports of Russian oil, whereas UK supports Ukraine. |
Conclusion: Despite the challenges, the India-UK relationship remains strong, anchored by historical ties, shared values, and growing economic and strategic interests.
