Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh wrapped up a two-day visit to the United Kingdom on April 17, co-chairing the 24th India-UK Defence Consultative Group (DCG) meeting alongside David Williams, the UK’s Permanent Under Secretary of State for Defence.
Leading a high-level Indian delegation, Singh’s visit underscored the two countries’ shared commitment to deepening strategic and defence cooperation. The dialogue, held under the framework of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and guided by the India-UK Roadmap to 2030, focused on strengthening bilateral military engagement and industrial collaboration amid evolving global and regional security dynamics.
During the visit, the Defence Secretary held wide-ranging discussions with key UK officials, including National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell. Talks centred around expanding tri-service cooperation and building robust links between the two defence industries.
Speaking at the India-UK Defence Industry Roundtable, organised by the UK India Business Council, Singh spotlighted India’s growing defence innovation ecosystem. He emphasised the role of Indian start-ups in areas like naval systems, unmanned platforms, surveillance, defence space, and aviation, encouraging UK firms to forge partnerships with these emerging players.
“India’s defence start-ups are delivering world-class, cost-effective solutions,” Singh said, inviting UK companies to invest in India’s Defence Corridors in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, which offer a range of state-level incentives and manufacturing opportunities.
He also revealed that India and the UK are working together to develop an Industrial Cooperation Roadmap to guide future joint efforts in defence manufacturing and technology transfer.
Defence Secy Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh co-chaired the 24th India-UK Defence Consultative Group meet with his UK counterpart David Williams in London. Both sides reviewed defence ties, focusing on enhancing defence industry collaboration & boosting the #MakeInIndia initiative,… pic.twitter.com/pUd8NHc5UW
— Ministry of Defence, Government of India (@SpokespersonMoD) April 16, 2025
The UK visit followed Singh’s official trip to Rome from April 14–15, where he engaged in high-level strategic talks and signed agreements to further bolster the India-Italy defence and security partnership.
Team BharatShakti
