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Key Points

The UK and India are strengthening their defence partnership under Vision 2035, focusing on advanced tech like electric propulsion and jet engines. A new Regional Maritime Security Centre will address threats in the Indian Ocean. The recently signed FTA is expected to boost exports from key Indian industrial states. Both nations aim to enhance security and innovation through deeper collaboration.

Key Points: UK India Defence Partnership Expands Under Vision 2035 Roadmap

  • UK-India Vision 2035 includes defence industrial roadmap for economic growth
  • Electric Propulsion & Jet Engine tech co-development underway
  • Regional Maritime Security Centre planned for Indian Ocean
  • FTA boosts exports from Maharashtra, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka
3 min read

UK-India Partnership set to go bigger: Defence Advisor Chris Saunders on Vision 2035

UK Defence Advisor Chris Saunders outlines Vision 2035 goals for deeper UK-India defence ties, tech collaboration, and maritime security under the new FTA.

"Our complementary defence industry strengths create excellent opportunities for collaboration and will ensure supply chain resilience. – Chris Saunders, UK Defence Advisor"

New Delhi, July 31

As India and UK grow their defence partnership along with the recently signed Free Trade Agreement (FTA), the UK High Commission in India's Defence Advisor Chris Saunders laid out the planned roadmap part of the "Vision 2035" to "strengthen both nations' security and create a safer international environment."

Posting a thread on X, the Defence Advisor said, "The UK and India have launched a ground breaking 10-year Defence Industrial Roadmap as part of our Vision 2035 partnership. This historic agreement will promote economic growth, strengthen both nations' security and create a safer international environment."

https://x.com/UKDefenceIndia/status/1950495091509838083

"Our complementary defence industry strengths create excellent opportunities for collaboration and will ensure supply chain resilience. We're building capabilities that enhance both countries' national security whilst fostering innovation in defence technologies," the advisor added.

Both countries are set to have a deepening collaboration in advanced technologies and complex weapons, with Saunders adding, "We're deepening collaboration in advanced technologies and complex weapons through programmes like Electric Propulsion Capability Partnership (EPCP) & Jet Engine Advanced Core Technologies (JEACT) Innovation and co-development are key priorities."

Detailing collaboration in maritime security, he added, "Under the Indo-Pacific Oceans' Initiative, we will be establishing a Regional Maritime Security Centre of Excellence to build capacity across the Indian Ocean region, addressing non-traditional maritime security threats together."

On the future's roadmap, Saunders mentioned how through enhanced cyber resilience, migration cooperation, and our enduring people-to-people connections, the UK-India partnership is stronger than ever.

The India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA), also referred to as the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), is poised to significantly boost exports from several Indian states by eliminating tariffs and enhancing market access in the United Kingdom.

According to a sector-wise state analysis, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka are expected to be among the biggest beneficiaries. Maharashtra's hubs: Pune, Mumbai, and Ichalkaranji- will see increased exports in engineering goods, pharmaceuticals, and apparel.

Gujarat's diverse industrial centres, including Ahmedabad, Surat, Rajkot, and Veraval, are anticipated to gain from stronger demand for pharmaceuticals, chemicals, engineering products, and marine exports.

Tamil Nadu stands to benefit substantially in textiles, leather, and auto parts, particularly in Tiruppur, Vellore, and Chennai. Karnataka's electronics, engineering, and pharmaceutical sectors, centred in Bangalore, are likely to gain from better access and price competitiveness in the UK market.

The much-awaited landmark India-UK Free Trade Agreement was signed on Thursday, in the presence of Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Keir Starmer, providing greater access to goods and services between the two countries.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya N
As someone from Chennai, I'm excited about the textile sector benefits mentioned. But will small businesses actually gain from this FTA? Or just the big corporates? Need more clarity on implementation.
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Arjun K
The maritime security center is much needed considering China's growing presence in Indian Ocean. Strong UK-India partnership can counterbalance regional threats effectively. Jai Hind!
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Sarah B
While the defense partnership sounds promising, I hope environmental concerns are addressed in these industrial collaborations. India's pollution levels are already critical - we can't sacrifice ecology for technology.
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Kavya M
Great to see Pune's engineering sector getting recognition! 🇮🇳 My husband works in auto parts manufacturing - this could mean better opportunities for skilled workers like him.
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Vikram P
The jet engine technology partnership is crucial for our fighter aircraft programs. But history shows Western nations often restrict critical tech transfer. Hope this time it's different.
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Divya R
As an economics student, I'm fascinated by how this FTA will impact India's trade balance. The pharmaceutical sector especially could see massive growth if UK reduces non-tariff barriers.

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