India and the United Kingdom agree to strengthen defense ties

New Delhi, Aug 21 (KUNA) -- India and the United Kingdom agreed today on Friday to enhance defense cooperation, including expanding bilateral exchanges between the armed forces of the two countries through joint exercises, training, and capacity building. The Indian Ministry of Defense stated in a press release that this agreement was reached during the 25th meeting of the India-UK Defense Consultative Talks, held in New Delhi. The two sides reviewed existing cooperation in the defense industrial sector, focusing on research and development through the perspective of both countries for 2035 and the roadmap for the defense industries for the coming decade. The release quoted both parties praising the "strong" cooperation in maritime security in the Indian and Pacific Oceans region, including the establishment of a regional center of excellence for maritime security under the Indo-Pacific initiative. It clarified that the two sides exchanged views on regional peace and security issues during the meeting and reaffirmed their commitment to mutual security and "strategic autonomy." The meeting was co-chaired by Rajesh Kumar Singh, Secretary of the Indian Ministry of Defense, and Jeremy Bucklington, UK Ministry of Defense Undersecretary. (End) a.t.k / m.a.a