The UK is looking at next-generation defence and security collaboration across multiple domains

As the UK looks to deepen defence cooperation with India, Prime Minister Boris Johnson was expected to discuss next-generation defence and security collaboration across the five domains - land, sea, air, space and cyber - in meetings with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday.

"This includes support for new Indian-designed and built fighter jets, offering the best of British know-how on building battle-winning aircraft," the British High Commission in India said ahead of the meeting.

The UK will also seek to support India’s requirements for new technology to identify and respond to threats in the Indian Ocean, the British High Commission in India said.

"The world faces growing threats from autocratic states which seek to undermine democracy, choke off free and fair trade and trample on sovereignty.

The UK’s partnership with India is a beacon in these stormy seas. Our collaboration on the issues that matter to both our countries, from climate change to energy security and defence, is of vital importance as we look to the future," Prime Minister Johnson was quoted as saying.

To support greater defence and security collaboration with India over the coming decade, the UK will issue an Open General Export Licence (OGEL) to India, reducing bureaucracy and shortening delivery times for defence procurement.
"This is our first OGEL in the Indo-Pacific region," the British High Commission pointed out.

The two sides are also taking up new cooperation on clean and renewable energy.

The UK and India are launching a virtual Hydrogen Science and Innovation hub to accelerate affordable green hydrogen, as well as new funding for the Green Grids Initiative announced at COP26, and collaboration on joint work on the electrification of public transport across India.

"As well as boosting our domestic energy and economic resilience, the UK and India are collaborating as a force for good globally. Our governments are committing up to £75 million to roll out adaptable clean tech innovations from India to the wider Indo-Pacific and Africa, and working together on international development and girls education," the BHC statement pointed out.