Why in News ?
India and the U.K. have signed a £350-million defence deal for missiles, marking a strategic milestone in India-U.K. defence cooperation. The agreement includes procurement of Lightweight Multirole Missiles (LMM) for the Indian Army and collaboration on electric-powered naval engines. This follows high-level discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and U.K. PM Keir Starmer in Mumbai, highlighting expanding bilateral ties across defence, technology, and education.
Relevance
- GS II – International Relations:
- Bilateral defence and technology partnership with the U.K.
- Strategic cooperation in education and research sectors.
- GS III – Defence & Economy:
- Modernisation of armed forces and advanced weapons acquisition.
- Boost to defence manufacturing, Make in India, and technology transfers.
- Economic diplomacy via investment flows and educational partnerships.
Context and Background
- Part of broader India-U.K. strategic partnership, described as an “important pillar of global stability.”
- Defence deal aligns with India’s modernisation of armed forces and push for domestic and international collaboration.
- U.K. universities (Lancaster & Surrey) approved to open campuses in India, reflecting increasing education and technology cooperation.
- 64 Indian companies committed £1.3 billion (~₹15,430 crore) investment in the U.K., showing strengthened economic ties post trade deal.
Details of the Defence Deal
- Value: £350 million (missiles) + £250 million for electric-powered naval engines.
- Procurement: Lightweight Multirole Missiles (LMM) manufactured in Belfast.
- Purpose:
- Strengthen Indian Army’s missile capabilities.
- Broaden defence partnership towards “complex weapons collaboration.”
- Boost bilateral defence R&D and industrial linkages.
- Strategic Objective:
- Enhance interoperability and technology exchange.
- Support Make in India by leveraging foreign technology and investment.
Strategic and Geopolitical Significance
- Global Stability: Strengthens India-U.K. defence alignment amid turbulent global scenario.
- Regional Security: Enhances India’s deterrence posture in the Indo-Pacific region.
- Technology Collaboration: Paves way for joint development of advanced missile systems and naval technology.
- Defence Industry Boost: Encourages investments, technology transfer, and R&D in India’s defence sector.
Economic and Industrial Implications
- Indian firms invest £1.3 billion in U.K., enhancing bilateral trade confidence.
- Defence procurement fosters indigenous supply chains via Make in India initiative.
- Joint ventures in defence manufacturing can create jobs and skill development opportunities.
- Electric naval engine collaboration supports green technology adoption in defence.
Conclusion
The defence deal enhances India-U.K. strategic and technological cooperation while modernising India’s armed forces. It also strengthens regional security and boosts Make in India through joint R&D and industrial linkages.
