India and UK Strengthen Defence Ties in Indo-Pacific

The 25th Defence Consultative Group Meeting between India and the UK marked a significant milestone in their defence partnership, underscoring their commitment to mutual security and strategic autonomy in the Indo-Pacific region.

The meeting, co-chaired by Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh and UK's Permanent Under Secretary for Defence, Mr Jeremy Pocklington, in New Delhi on August 21, 2026, highlighted the longstanding defence cooperation between the two countries. Both sides reviewed ongoing defence industrial cooperation, with a focus on research and development through the India-UK Vision 2035 and the Ten-Year Defence Industrial Roadmap.

The Defence Consultative Group Meeting also served as a platform for both sides to expand bilateral exchanges between their armed forces through joint exercises, training, and capacity building. This move is expected to enhance interoperability and cooperation between the Indian and UK armed forces, thereby strengthening their collective defence capabilities.

One of the key takeaways from the meeting was the robust maritime security collaboration between India and the UK in the Indo-Pacific region. The establishment of the Regional Maritime Security Centre of Excellence under the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative is a testament to their commitment to ensuring maritime security and stability in the region.

The visit by Mr Jeremy Pocklington to India was his first in his capacity as Permanent Under Secretary for Defence of the UK. During his visit, he laid a wreath at the National War Memorial, paid homage to the bravehearts who have made the supreme sacrifice in the service of our nation, and visited the Gandhi Smriti Museum and National Defence College in New Delhi.

The India-UK Strategic Partnership is built on shared values of peace, stability, freedom, and mutual respect. As the two nations continue to strengthen their defence ties, the future of Indo-Pacific security looks brighter than ever. The 25th Defence Consultative Group Meeting has marked a significant milestone in the India-UK defence partnership, paving the way for a more secure and stable Indo-Pacific region.

The visit by Mr Pocklington underlined the importance of regular exchanges between the two countries on issues of mutual interest. The meeting also provided an opportunity for both sides to exchange views on regional peace and security, with a focus on strengthening their collective defence capabilities.

As the two nations continue to strengthen their defence ties, Defence News Nexus will continue to bring you updates on this developing story. With their shared commitment to mutual security and strategic autonomy, India and the UK are poised to take on the challenges of the Indo-Pacific, together.

Key Takeaways

• The 25th Defence Consultative Group Meeting marked a significant milestone in the India-UK defence partnership, underscoring their commitment to mutual security and strategic autonomy in the Indo-Pacific region.
• Both sides reviewed ongoing defence industrial cooperation, with a focus on research and development through the India-UK Vision 2035 and the Ten-Year Defence Industrial Roadmap.
• The meeting served as a platform for both sides to expand bilateral exchanges between their armed forces through joint exercises, training, and capacity building.
• The establishment of the Regional Maritime Security Centre of Excellence under the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative is a testament to their commitment to ensuring maritime security and stability in the region.
• The India-UK Strategic Partnership is built on shared values of peace, stability, freedom, and mutual respect, with a focus on strengthening their collective defence capabilities.