In ‘contested, Volatile’ World, India, UK Natural Partners: UK Chief Of Defence Staff In Delhi

Admiral Tony Radakin, the Chief of Defence Staff for the UK, is on a three-day visit to India. On Monday, he said that India and the UK are “natural partners” in a “more contested and volatile” world, at a time when both countries’ armed forces are being modernized.

Radakin met with his Indian colleague, General Anil Chauhan, on Monday. They talked about ways to improve ties in all areas. The British High Commission said in a statement that he also met with the Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Hari Kumar, the Chief of the Army Staff, General Manoj Pande, the Defence Secretary, Giridhar Aramane, and the Additional Secretary for Defense Production, T Natarajan.

“My trip to India shows that the UK thinks our security is tied to the security of the rest of the world. As a country that trades around the world, it’s important for the UK that the Indo-Pacific is open and free. That’s why the British Armed Forces are building the largest and most integrated presence in the area of any European country,” Radakin said.

He also said, “India and the UK are natural partners in a world that is becoming more tense and unstable.” We both believe in the rule of law and have many of the same democratic ideas and ideals.

During the visit, Admiral Radakin will meet with different parts of the Indian armed forces all over the country. This is to increase cooperation between the two militaries and look for ways to work together on future technologies.

“We are both recognized military powers that are investing a lot and modernizing. We also train together on land, sea, and in the air. We can do more, though. The Admiral said, “I’m glad to have the chance to meet with General Anil Chauhan and talk about how we can strengthen our partnership in a way that helps both of our security and prosperity.”

Both the British and Indian armed forces work together on study, development, and training.

Joint Exercise Ajeya Warrior Later This Month

After an updated Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed in 2019, talks about working together in the aerospace industry have moved forward. The UK Minister for Defense Procurement visited in February, and the First Sea Lord visited in March, the British High Commission said.

Ben Wallace, the UK’s Defense Secretary, said, “India is a valued defense partner for the UK, and our relationship continues to grow in research and industry.” Both of our countries want the Indo-Pacific region to be safe and prosperous, and we continue to train and work with our Indian friends to make the area safer.

In the past few years, the army, navy, and air forces of both countries have done a lot more joint military drills. This has helped improve interoperability and joint tactics.

As part of Exercise Konkan, HMS Lancaster recently went to Kochi to train with the Indian Navy. Aside from that, Indian Air Force pilots flew five Mirage 2000 fighters during drill Cobra Warrior, the Royal Air Force’s biggest air drill in the UK.

Later this month, troops from the Indian Army will go to the UK to train with the British Army as part of Exercise Ajeya Warrior.

The UK High Commission said that the visit of the CDS overlaps with that of the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) of the Royal Air Force, Air Chief Marshal Mike Wigston.

‘More Contested And Volatile World’

In March of this year, the UK updated its 2021 strategy and foreign policy document with “Integrated Review Refresh 2023.” This document said that the UK will back India’s bid to become a permanent member of a reformed UN Security Council.

The policy also said that the UK will “more closely align” with the Indo-Pacific policies of India, Canada, France, and Germany, among other countries.

In the document, the UK also said that it would work with India to “strengthen our defense and security partnership, advance our work together on technology, and lead India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative’s maritime security pillar.”

The HMS Tamar finished its patrol in the Indian Ocean at the beginning of this month. During the patrol, the ship made several stops in India at the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Chennai, and Visakhapatnam.