Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh and his British counterpart Grant Shapps review full range of India-UK defence

Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh met UK Defence Minister Grant Shapps and reviewed the full range of India-UK defence relations. In a social media post, Mr Singh said, we had fruitful discussions on a wide range of issues pertaining to defence cooperation, security and also on enhancing defence industrial cooperation. 

On the occasion, Grant Shapps stressed that the relationship between UK and India is not transactional. He added that both the countries are natural partners with many commonalities and shared goals.

The bilateral defence meeting was followed by the signing of two agreements between India and UK. MoU was signed on conduct of bilateral international cadet exchange programme. An another MoU was also signed between Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and UK's Defence Science and Technology Laboratory



on defence collaboration in research and development. These MoUs will provide impetus to the people-to-people exchanges particularly among the youth, and larger area of defence research collaboration between the two countries.

Rajnath Singh is on a two day visit to UK. Earlier, Mr Singh inspected the Guard of Honour ahead of his bilateral meeting with UK Defence Minister in London. He also paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi at his statue in Tavistock, London.

During his visit, Mr Singh is also expected to call on UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and hold a meeting with Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs David Cameron. He will also interact with the CEOs and industry leaders of the UK Defence Industry and meet with the Indian community in London.