New Delhi [India], October 16 (ANI): British High Commissioner to India Lindy Cameron on Thursday affirmed that India remains a “top priority partner” for the United Kingdom, highlighting the visit of the UK’s Carrier Strike Group (CSG25) to India as a testament to the growing strategic and defence partnership between the two countries.
“India, as the world’s largest democracy and an emerging economic superpower with one of the fastest growing economies in the world, is a top priority partner for the UK,” Cameron said. “The visit of the UK’s Carrier Strike Group to India was a testament to the strength of the relationship between our two countries, which has been revitalised by our two Prime Ministers in recent months.”
She added that both nations are focused on a shared future through their Vision 2035 roadmap, which aims to deepen cooperation in growth, prosperity, and security amid rapid global changes. “Together the UK and India are now focused on the future with our shared vision for 2035, delivering growth, prosperity and security in a time of rapid global change,” Cameron said.
The remarks came as the UK’s Carrier Strike Group, led by aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales, completed joint maritime and air exercises with the Indian Armed Forces in the Indian Ocean. The exercise, called Konkan, named after the stretch of coastline on India’s western seaboard, involved training alongside India’s aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, enhancing interoperability and regional security.
The Strike Group departed from Goa and Mumbai after a week-long visit promoting UK industry and strengthening ties between London and Delhi, concluding Exercise Konkan, a regular test of Commonwealth navies, according to the Royal Navy. The visit was part of the UK’s ongoing eight-month deployment to the Indo-Pacific under Operation Highmast, demonstrating its expanded military engagement in the region.
UK Defence Minister Lord Vernon Coaker said the joint exercise highlighted the strength of the UK’s defence partnership with India. “It has been incredible to see the strength and reach of the UK Armed Forces as the Carrier Strike Group continued its deployment in South Asia this week,” he said.
“Alongside our leadership on global security, we have showcased leading-edge defence innovation which strengthens our trading relationship with India and secures British jobs. This strategic partnership helps keep us secure at home and strong abroad, while the trade links promise a valuable boost to the UK economy, demonstrating once again that defence is an engine for growth,” he added.
The visit follows two new defence agreements worth over £600 million between the two countries. A £350 million deal will deliver UK-manufactured Lightweight Multirole Missiles (LMM) to the Indian Army, while a £250 million agreement will advance cooperation on electric-powered naval engines. These deals are expected to enhance interoperability between the Indian and UK armed forces and pave the way for deeper collaboration in complex weapons manufacturing.
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