Defence minister & his UK counterpart co-chair UK-India Defence Industry CEOs Roundtable in London

In the meeting, the minister welcomed the investment and technology collaboration from the UK

London: On the second and final day of his visit to the United Kingdom, Defence minister Rajnath Singh interacted with top UK Defence industry leaders and CEOs at an event in Trinity House, London on January 10, 2024. The UK-India Defence Industry CEOs Roundtable, co-chaired by Singh with his UK counterpart Mr Grant Shapps was attended by a large number of CEOs from UK defence industry; UK MoD officials; Chair, UK India Business Council; and CII India representatives.

Some of the major companies represented were BAE Systems, GE Vernova, James Fisher Defence, Leonardo S.p.A., Martin Baker Aircraft Company Ltd, SAAB UK, Thales UK, Ultra-Maritime Rolls-Royce, ADS Group, and MBDA UK.

The meeting was also attended by UK Minister of State for Defence Procurement, Mr James Cartildge. The Roundtable included thematic discussions on strengthening the India-UK defence industrial relationship.

In the meeting, the minister welcomed the investment and technology collaboration from the UK, and stated that India is ready with skilled human resource base, a robust pro-FDI and pro-business ecosystem, and a huge domestic market.

Singh asserted that under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is surging ahead on the path of becoming a developed economy by 2047. The ambition is backed by a clear headed roadmap to chart the course, and is backed by the collective will-power of 1.4 billion Indians to stay the course.

Highlighting the importance of the India-UK ties, the visiting minister said there is a symbiotic relationship between the two countries and the Government of India envisions an enriching partnership with UK to cooperate, co-create and co-innovate. “By synergising the strengths of our nations, we can do great things together,” he said.

The Industry leaders from UK outlined their current and future plans for India. Aero-engines, Electric Propulsion, missiles, power-packs, and maritime systems were identified as some of the focus areas of joint work. The minister noted the positivity and enthusiasm of UK CEOs & business leaders on working in India and with the Indian companies.

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