Rajnath Singh Set for Crucial UK Visit after 22-Year Hiatus, Here's Why it is so Important

New Delhi: India's Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh, is set for a pivotal three-day visit to the United Kingdom, assuming immense importance as it marks the first ministerial-level visit from India in 22 years, significantly bolstering the evolving partnership between the two nations in defence and security.

The anticipation surrounding Singh's visit heightened following the cancellation of his previously scheduled trip in June 2022 due to protocol reasons. Reports confirm Singh has already departed.

During his visit, Singh is scheduled to engage in comprehensive discussions with his UK counterpart, Defence Secretary Grant Shapps. The itinerary includes inspecting a ceremonial Guard of Honour and paying homage to Mahatma Gandhi and Dr B.R. Ambedkar memorials in London. Additionally, a community interaction session with the Indian diaspora residing in the UK is also on the agenda.

Why is the visit after the 22 year visit so important?

Rahul Roy-Chaudhury, a prominent figure in South and Central Asian Defence Strategy, said ,”“In substantive terms, the visit will seek to deepen military cooperation and defence industrial partnerships with the UK by building on the November 2023 Defence Consultative Group (DCG) meeting in Delhi at the level of Secretaries and the inaugural meeting of the 2+2 Foreign and Defence Dialogue at the level of Joint Secretaries in October 2023,”

Analysts emphasise the opportunity this visit provides for operationalizing India's 'Make in India' and 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' initiatives in the defence sector. The collaboration's potential lies in ongoing projects focusing on aero-engines with Rolls-Royce, naval electric propulsion with GE (Naval) UK and Rolls-Royce, and ground-based air defence systems with MBDA (UK).

Despite ongoing concerns regarding pro-Khalistan violence in the UK and historical issues on UK defence supplies to India, experts believe that this ministerial dialogue should focus on reinforcing India-UK defence ties and advancing collaborative projects.

This visit follows the momentum gained during former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson's visit to India in April 2022. Johnson's announcement of an Open General Export Licence (OGEL) for India aims to streamline defence procurement processes, reducing bureaucracy and expediting delivery times.

As both India and the UK gear up for upcoming general elections, the visit holds strategic significance. It is anticipated to play a pivotal role in expediting negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA), expected to substantially enhance the existing GBP 36-billion bilateral partnership.