UK Foreign Secretary Highlights India Cooperation on Maritime Security and Trade Routes

Britain has strengthened its strategic partnership with India following a high level visit by UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper , who held wide ranging discussions in New Delhi focused on maritime security , economic resilience and safeguarding global supply chains from emerging geopolitical risks.

During her visit, Cooper met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar , with both sides reviewing progress under the India UK Vision 2035 , which sets the framework for deeper cooperation across trade, technology and security. The discussions highlighted a shared interest in building stable and diversified global systems at a time of increasing uncertainty in international markets and shipping routes.

A major focus of the talks was maritime security, particularly the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz , a vital passage for global energy and trade flows. Both countries underlined the need for coordinated efforts to ensure safe navigation and reduce disruptions in international shipping caused by regional tensions.

As part of enhanced cooperation, the two sides jointly launched a Regional Maritime Security Centre of Excellence , aimed at improving information sharing, strengthening maritime awareness, and building resilience against global economic and security shocks affecting sea routes.

Another key area of discussion was critical minerals , which are essential for technologies such as electric vehicles, renewable energy infrastructure and digital devices. The UK stressed the importance of developing more diversified and resilient supply chains to reduce dependence on limited sources and improve long term economic security.

In this context, the Critical Minerals Global Supply Chain Observatory was launched under the India UK Technology Security Initiative. The AI powered platform will provide real time insights into global mineral flows and identify potential vulnerabilities in supply chains. India is also expected to contribute funding for a satellite observatory campus at IIT Dhanbad , in collaboration with the University of Cambridge .

Cooper said the partnership reflects growing convergence between India and the UK on both economic and security priorities, particularly in maritime safety and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence.