The UK Prime Minister recently made a visit to India, leading to major discussions between the two nations and the emergence of a joint statement titled “Towards shared security and prosperity through national resilience”. This visit has marked significant strides in India’s relations with the UK.
Understanding India’s Relationship with Russia
Under the backdrop of the Ukraine crisis, the UK PM acknowledged India’s neutral stance, noting that India’s historic relationship with Russia is ‘well known’ and is not poised for any change. He expressed respect for India-Russia relations despite global pressures.
Cooperating on Indo-Pacific Issues
During the visit, a shared interest was established in keeping the Indo-Pacific region free and open, especially concerning growing threats of Chinese coercion in the South China Sea. The UK and India have agreed to strengthen their cooperation in the maritime domain, with the UK set to join India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative and become a major partner on maritime security issues in Southeast Asia.
India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI)
India’s IPOI is essentially an open, non-treaty-based initiative, inviting countries to work together for cooperative and collaborative problem-solving for common challenges faced in the region.
Action Against Extremism
The two countries also agreed on setting up a sub-group to counter extremism, aiming to enhance cooperation in ensuring actions against groups and individuals based in or operating out of either country.
Bringing Economic Fugitives to Justice
India expressed to the UK that extraditing economic fugitives to face justice is high on its priority list, to which Britain responded affirmatively, expressing its concern and unwillingness to harbor individuals who seek to evade Indian laws.
Discussions on Free Trade Agreements
The leaders of both nations committed to concluding negotiations on Free Trade Agreements by the end of 2022.
Defence Cooperation
The visit also saw discussions about next-generation defence and security collaborations across five domains — land, sea, air, space and cyber.
Recent Developments in India’s Relations with the UK
Despite the challenge posed by the Ukraine crisis, the India-UK relationship has been on an upward trajectory, exemplified by the conclusion of a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2021. A 2030 Roadmap was established for India-UK relations, outlining partnership plans for the bilateral relationship. In January 2022, India and the UK concluded the first round of talks for an India–UK Free Trade Agreement.
Way Forward
A post-Brexit Britain needs to make the best of its historic ties. As Britain remains the fifth-largest economy and a significant international military presence, India should leverage these British strengths for strategic benefits. The rising importance of India in global politics and economics aligns with Britain’s need for partners, making their collaboration mutually beneficial.
Last Modified: February 15, 2024