India and UK Expand Defence Partnership With Joint Exercises, R&D and Ten-Year Industrial Roadmap

India and the United Kingdom have agreed to deepen defence cooperation across joint military exercises, training, capacity building, research and development, and defence-industrial collaboration, reinforcing the strategic partnership between the two countries.

The discussions took place during the 25th India–UK Defence Consultative Group meeting in New Delhi, where both sides reviewed the progress of ongoing defence initiatives and identified areas for closer engagement. Particular emphasis was placed on expanding research and development cooperation under India–UK Vision 2035 and advancing projects linked to the Ten-Year Defence Industrial Roadmap.

The two countries also agreed to increase exchanges between their armed forces through more joint exercises, professional military training and capacity-building programmes. These measures are intended to improve interoperability while creating regular opportunities for both militaries to share operational experience and best practices.

Defence-industrial cooperation is expected to remain a major focus of the relationship, with both sides seeking stronger links between government agencies, research organisations and private industry. The long-term roadmap provides a framework for collaboration in advanced defence technologies, joint development and manufacturing, with the potential to support greater industrial participation in both countries.

Maritime security also featured prominently in the discussions. India and the UK acknowledged their expanding cooperation in the Indo-Pacific and the importance of maintaining secure sea lanes, regional stability and a rules-based maritime environment. Cooperation connected with the Regional Maritime Security Centre of Excellence is expected to support training, information sharing and capacity development in the region.

The meeting also included an exchange of views on regional and global security challenges, with both countries reaffirming their commitment to maintaining strategic autonomy while strengthening practical defence cooperation.

The latest engagement signals a shift in India–UK defence ties from traditional military exchanges toward a broader partnership that combines operations, technology, industrial collaboration and long-term capability development.