UK-India defence partnership deepens as new UK prime minister takes office

The United Kingdom and India have stepped up their aerospace and defence collaboration, marked by milestones such as a first joint Carrier Strike Group maritime exercise, expanded joint training and officer exchanges, and increased bilateral exercises that boost operational integration. The UK‑India Free Trade Agreement, which came into force on 15 July, removes tariffs on aircraft spares and eases trade in machinery and precision instruments, facilitating co‑development projects that include missile systems, electric propulsion for amphibious platforms, jet‑engine core technology and a Rolls‑Royce contribution to the AMCA engine programme. The partnership is positioned as a cornerstone of the UK’s Indo‑Pacific strategy, aiming to enhance maritime security, autonomous systems, AI and cyber resilience.

In the political arena, the newly elected UK prime minister Andy Burnham is expected to maintain the strong trajectory of the bilateral relationship. Burnham, who previously visited India and engaged with Indian officials and the Manchester‑India Partnership, is praised by India’s Consul General in Manchester for deepening ties with northern England. The UK‑India agenda under his leadership is likely to continue focusing on digital technology, advanced manufacturing, healthcare, academia and broader cultural and tourism cooperation.