India and the United Kingdom have unveiled a series of initiatives aimed at deepening bilateral defence cooperation, including a government-to-government agreement for the supply of Lightweight Multirole Missile (LMM) systems to bolster India’s air defence capabilities. The announcements followed wide-ranging talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his UK counterpart Keir Starmer on Thursday.
Key Defence Initiatives
- Lightweight Multirole Missiles: The UK will supply LMM systems to the Indian military, supporting India’s air defence modernization under the framework of Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India). The collaboration also lays the groundwork for long-term cooperation on complex weapon systems.
- Maritime Electric Propulsion Systems: Both nations expressed intent to finalize an Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) to jointly develop maritime electric propulsion systems for India’s naval platforms, marking a significant step in naval technology collaboration.
- IAF-RAF Training Integration: Indian Air Force instructors will be integrated with the Royal Air Force for training purposes, strengthening mutual defence education and skills exchange.
Prime Minister Modi highlighted the broader context of India-UK cooperation, noting that the partnership spans defence, security, education, and innovation, and is shaping new dimensions in bilateral relations.
Counterterrorism Cooperation
The two leaders also addressed security concerns, condemning the Pahalgam terror attack of April 22, 2025, which claimed 26 lives, mostly tourists. They reiterated a commitment to:
- Counter radicalisation and violent extremism
- Combat financing of terrorism and cross-border terrorist movement
- Prevent misuse of emerging technologies for terrorist purposes
- Strengthen international efforts to tackle terrorist recruitment
The joint statement emphasized zero tolerance for terrorism and the need for coordinated global action against terrorist entities and their sponsors.
Summary
India and the UK have announced defence-focused initiatives, including the supply of Lightweight Multirole Missiles, a joint naval propulsion development agreement, and IAF-RAF training collaboration. The talks also reinforced counterterrorism cooperation, demonstrating the two countries’ commitment to strategic, technological, and security collaboration across multiple domains.
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