Defence Secy, UK NSA review progress of defence cooperation frameworks
New Delhi, April 24
Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh held talks with Jonathan Nicholas Powell, National Security Advisor of the UK on regional security developments.
Singh and Powell on Thursday reviewed progress of existing India-UK defence cooperation frameworks.
In a post on X, the Ministry of Defence stated, "Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh today met Mr. Jonathan Nicholas Powell, National Security Advisor of the UK. The two sides exchanged views on regional security developments and reviewed progress under existing India-UK defence cooperation frameworks, reaffirming their commitment to further strengthening strategic ties."
Earlier, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held talks with Powell on regional and global security issues.
In a post on X, Jaishankar said, "Glad to meet UK NSA Jonathan Powell in New Delhi this afternoon. Our discussion focused on regional and global security issues, as well as the deepening India-UK cooperation."
Powell also held talks with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval for the annual India-UK Strategic Dialogue.
In a post on X, Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, Randhir Jaiswal said, "NSA hosted his counterpart from UK Mr. Jonathan Powell in New Delhi on 23 April 2026 for the annual India-UK Strategic Dialogue. They had wide ranging discussions on advancing the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, including strengthening defence and security cooperation. They also exchanged views on regional and global security challenges."
Meanwhile, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan on April 22 interacted with his British counterpart, Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton, during his official visit to the United Kingdom, where both nations reaffirmed their resolve to collaboratively address contemporary global challenges.
The visit focused on strengthening bilateral ties, with both sides discussing issues ranging from global trade imbalances to emerging cyber threats.
In a post on X, HQ IDS stated that India and the UK reaffirmed their "shared resolve to collaboratively address contemporary challenges, from global trade imbalances to emerging cyber threats, while advancing a peaceful and prosperous #IndoPacific and harnessing accelerated technological transformation."
— ANI
Reader Comments
This is nice, but I hope we aren't just having endless dialogues without outcomes. We need clear timelines for joint exercises and defence equipment deals. Actions speak louder than posts on X!
As someone living in London, I can say these meetings matter. The UK sees India as a key partner in the Indo-Pacific. The mention of cyber threats and trade imbalances shows it's not just about military hardware. There's a genuine strategic alignment.
CDS General Chauhan meeting UK counterpart is the highlight for me. Interoperability between our forces is key. I hope we move beyond British-era nostalgia and focus on 21st-century challenges like AI in defence. 🤖
Refreshing to see a balanced approach. The UK is one of our oldest partners, and this meeting on regional security is timely given the volatile global situation. However, India should also look at diversifying partners, not just relying on old ties.
All these meetings are good, but what's the timeline for the Free Trade Agreement? That's what really matters for India-UK relations. Defence cooperation is just one piece of the puzzle. Let's not get distracted by X posts!
I appreciate the emphasis on
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