India invites UK to invest in defence corridors in UP, Tamil Nadu to tap cost-effective military solutions

During the recently concluded two-day visit of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh to the UK, both countries reaffirmed their shared commitment to deepening defence ties. There were also talks focused on expanding tri-service military engagements and enhancing collaboration between the defence industries of the two countries.

Singh, who led a high-level Indian delegation for the annual bilateral defence dialogue with the UK, co-chaired the 24th India-UK Defence Consultative Group meeting with David Williams, Permanent Under Secretary of State for Defence.

The discussions were held in the context of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership announced in 2021 and the Roadmap to 2030, which continues to steer the ties between India and the UK.

Singh also interacted with the UK’s National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell.

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Addressing participants at the India-UK Defence Industry Roundtable, Singh highlighted the growing capabilities of Indian start-ups across key defence domains such as naval systems, drones, surveillance, defence space and aviation. He encouraged the companies in the UK to explore the possibility of partnering with these innovators from India, claiming that they are able to deliver cost-effective and cutting-edge solutions.

He invited UK firms to invest in India’s dedicated defence corridors in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, where they can take advantage of state-level incentives and a rapidly evolving defence manufacturing ecosystem.

Defence