India, UK deepen strategic partnership in key sectors – Defence News

India and the UK have agreed to further enhance bilateral cooperation in key areas such as trade, investment, defence, security, migration, IT/AI, science and technology, innovation, climate and green energy. The decision follows wide-ranging discussions in New Delhi between Indian Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar and UK Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development David Lammy.

UK-India Technology Security Initiative Launched

One of the significant outcomes of these talks is the launch of the UK-India Technology Security Initiative (TSI). The TSI, led by the national security advisers of both countries, aims to expand cooperation on critical and emerging technologies (CETs) in priority sectors such as telecommunications, critical minerals, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, quantum technology, biotechnology and advanced materials. The initiative will engage government, private sector, academia and research and development institutions in both countries to drive technological progress and security.

Roadmap 2030 Review

The Ministers reviewed the Roadmap 2030, originally agreed by the Prime Ministers during the India-UK Virtual Summit in 2021. They welcomed the progress made so far and discussed the renewal of the Roadmap with heightened ambitions for bilateral cooperation. The renewal aims to further strengthen the partnership between the two countries, especially in technology and economic growth.

Economic and climate cooperation

The UK and India have also pledged to work more closely together on climate change and green energy initiatives. They have agreed to accelerate their green energy partnership, focusing on offshore wind and green hydrogen, and unlocking opportunities for green growth. This collaboration is part of a broader effort to address climate change, mobilise finance and unlock new opportunities for clean growth. It includes strengthening the investment partnership to support pioneering Indian companies working on climate and technology, with a focus on empowering women and delivering green growth.

Financing future telecommunications research

During the visit, UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and the Indian Department of Science and Technology announced a new funding call of £7 million for Future Telecoms research. The initiative, part of the India-UK Science, Technology and Innovation Partnership, aims to strengthen research and development in future telecommunications technologies.

Key Statements

David Lammy, UK Foreign Secretary, has highlighted the importance of growth in foreign policy. He said: “This Government will put growth at the heart of our foreign policy. That’s why, after three weeks in the job, I’m in Delhi to announce a new technology security initiative that aims to deliver on the promise of the UK-India relationship. It will mean truly working together to tackle the challenges of the future, from artificial intelligence to critical minerals. Together we can unlock mutual growth, innovation, jobs and investment.”

Peter Kyle, UK Secretary of State for Science, highlighted the importance of the UK-India partnership in science, innovation and technology. He said: “The UK and India are recognised around the world as powerhouses for science, innovation and technology – and this new agreement will deliver growth and untold benefits for citizens of both countries. From telecommunications and semiconductors to biotechnology and artificial intelligence, these generation-defining technologies will unlock countless new opportunities and innovations.”

Broader bilateral initiatives

The announcement of the TSI is part of a wider package of initiatives agreed during bilateral meetings in New Delhi. These initiatives aim to refresh the UK-India comprehensive strategic partnership, driving cooperation in key areas such as trade, technology, education, culture and climate. It focuses on boosting economic growth and deepening the bilateral partnership to address global challenges.

Summary

The renewed cooperation between India and the UK marks a significant step forward in strengthening their strategic partnership. With a focus on key and emerging technologies, climate change and economic growth, both nations are poised to achieve mutual benefits and address global challenges together.

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