- PM will meet Narendra Modi in New Delhi today for high-level talks on defence, diplomacy and trade
- UK will work with India to boost security in the Indo-Pacific, including new fighter jet technology, helicopters and collaboration in the undersea battlespace
- PM will also discuss new cooperation on clean and renewable energy
Prime Minister Boris Johnson will reiterate the vital importance of the UK-India partnership for global peace and security, as he visits New Delhi today [Friday].
He is 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, as our nations face complex new threats.
This includes support for new Indian-designed and built fighter jets, offering the best of British know-how on building battle-winning aircraft. The UK will also seek to support India’s requirements for new technology to identify and respond to threats in the Indian Ocean.
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.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson 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 2security and defence, is of vital importance as we look to the future.
“I look forward to discussing these issues with Prime Minister Modi in New Delhi today and working together to deliver a more secure and prosperous future for both our peoples.”
The Prime Minister will also discuss new cooperation on clean and renewable energy in his meetings in New Delhi today, aimed at supporting India’s energy transition away from imported oil and increasing its resilience through secure and sustainable energy, and addressing climate change in both the UK and India.
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. The 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.
Mr Johnson’s foreign adventures are doubtless a welcome distraction but they have done nothing to reduce the pressure on him to resign following his lies to Parliament over the Partygate scandal.
The Prime Minister is now to be investigated by a Westminster committee over claims he misled Parliament about parties in Downing Street during lockdown.
MPs yesterday approved the Privileges Committee instigating an inquiry as soon as police have finished their investigation into the gatherings.
Johnson’s government had tried to delay the vote, but were forced into making a U-turn following opposition from its own Tory MPs.
And with the full details of the Sue Gray report still to come, Boris Johnson’s political future is very much still in the balance.