UK And India To Strengthen Military Ties

The UK and India want to strengthen their defence and security relationship as they look to tackle cyber threats and terrorism. 

The nations say they are working together to design and manufacture new technologies to tackle cyber attacks against civilians and businesses.

Mark Lancaster, Minister for Armed Forces, said: "Defence and security are at the centre of our friendship with India."

"By working together to combat terrorism, tackle cyber threats, and build regional security, we are keeping both our countries safe."

These new initiatives were announced during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the UK. 

As well as the closer military ties, the Indian Prime Minister and Theresa May announced a  range of new initiatives and agreements in trade, health, research and technology.

The armies of the UK and India have a history of working together and already organise Exercise Ajeya Warrior, where ideas are pooled together with the aim to develop army-to-army links.

Exercise Ajeya Warrior is held in the UK and India alternatively every two years.

Last year it was at the Mahajan Ranges in Rajasthan and the 20th Battalion of the Rajputana Rifles and the 1st Battalion the Royal Anglian Regiment (aka. The Vikings).

During the exercise, the troops get to know one another’s kit and equipment which helps them understand each other’s experiences and tactics on operations.

There was even time for the UK Troops to be shown some snake handling techniques from their Indian counterparts.

This type of exercise is held across all three services, with the Royal Navy and Indian Navy partake in Exercise Konkan and the Royal Airforce and Indian Airforce partake in Exercise Indradanush.

The new initiatives also include plans for the Royal Navy to work more closely with India's counterparts to protect the safety and prosperity of the Indian Ocean.

The UK already plays an active role in maritime security in the region but is looking at how it can work with India to tackle piracy, drug trafficking and protecting freedom of navigation rights.

Work is underway on building a long-term approach to the UK and India’s defence industry-to-industry relations, allowing Armed Forces to share technologies and learn skills from each other.