India, UK Pledge Stronger Maritime and Defence Cooperation

During the meeting, both sides reviewed ongoing defence engagements and explored new avenues to enhance cooperation between India and the UK. The discussions reflected the growing convergence of the two nations’ strategic interests, particularly in the Indo-Pacific and Indian Ocean Region.

Sanjay Seth expressed satisfaction that the UK Carrier Strike Group, led by HMS Prince of Wales, had successfully completed the sea phase of the bilateral maritime exercise Konkan-25 with the Indian Navy off India’s western coast. The CSG is currently undertaking harbour phase activities in Mumbai and Goa.

He noted that such operational exchanges strengthen mutual understanding, improve interoperability, and deepen strategic trust between the two navies. The ministers also reviewed India’s advances in indigenous manufacturing and defence innovation, underlining the country’s push for Aatmanirbharta (self-reliance) in defence production.

Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to expanding collaboration across global defence supply chains, enhancing joint research and industrial partnerships, and promoting technology co-development.

They also reiterated the importance of maritime cooperation in maintaining a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific, ensuring freedom of navigation and regional stability.

The meeting concluded with both sides reaffirming their intent to pursue a robust and multifaceted defence partnership, guided by the India–UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and the ‘India–UK Vision 2035’, adopted during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the United Kingdom in July 2025.

The discussions in Mumbai mark another milestone in the long-standing India–UK defence relationship, building upon a shared commitment to security, innovation, and peace in the broader Indo-Pacific region.