India, UK Agree to Expand Defence Cooperation Through Joint Exercises, Training

India and the United Kingdom have agreed to expand defence cooperation through joint military exercises, training programmes and capacity-building initiatives, as the two countries held a key defence dialogue in New Delhi on Friday.

Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and UK Permanent Under Secretary for Defence Jeremy Pocklington co-chaired the 25th India-UK Defence Consultative Group (DCG) meeting. The visit marked Pocklington’s first trip to India since taking charge of his current position.

During the meeting, both sides reviewed ongoing defence indusial cooperation, with particular emphasis on research and development under the India-UK Vision 2035 and the 10-year Defence Industrial Roadmap. The discussions sought to strengthen collaboration in defence technology and industrial capabilities.

India and the UK also agreed to broaden exchanges between their armed forces through joint exercises, training and capacity building, aimed at enhancing interoperability and operational cooperation.

The two sides reviewed their growing maritime security partnership in the Indo-Pacific, including the establishment of the Regional Maritime Security Centre of Excellence (RMSCE) under the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI).

The defence officials also exchanged views on regional peace and security and reaffirmed their commitment to mutual security and strategic autonomy. Both countries reiterated that their Strategic Partnership is based on shared values of peace, stability, freedom and mutual respect.

Ahead of the DCG meeting, Pocklington paid tribute to Indian soldiers by laying a wreath at the National War Memorial. He also visited Gandhi Smriti Museum and the National Defence College in New Delhi. During his India visit, Pocklington held a bilateral interaction with Chief of Defence Staff Gen NS Raja Subramani, with discussions focusing on strengthening defence ties between the two countries.

The latest dialogue reflects continued efforts by India and the UK to deepen their longstanding defence partnership across military cooperation, industrial collaboration and regional security.