Defense Minister calls on British industry to explore partnerships with Indian defense startups

Defense Minister Rajesh Kumar Singh met Britain with NSA Jonathan Powell during his visit to London. April 16, 2025. Image source: ANI

Defense Minister Rajesh Kumar Singh urged British companies to explore partnerships with Indian defence startups and invited investment in India’s dedicated defence corridor during a two-day visit. The visit follows discussions in Rome and aims to strengthen defense cooperation with Italy, especially in terms of technology and arms production.

In a statement on Friday, the Ministry of Defense said Singh was held in London from 16 to 17 April 2025, where he co-chaired the 24th India-UK Defense Advisory Group (DCG) meeting with Acting Secretary of State of the Ministry of Defense David Williams.

“Both sides reviewed the evolving regional and global geopolitical landscape and reaffirmed their shared commitment to deepening defensive ties,” the ministry said. The discussion was held within the framework of the Indo-UK Integrated Strategic Partnership announced in 2021 and on the roadmap 2030.

During his visit, Mr Singer also met Jonathan Powell, a British national security adviser. The statement said their negotiations focused on expanding three military and military participation and strengthening cooperation between the defense industries of the three countries.

Targeting participants in the Indian-UK defense industry roundtable organized by the British Indian Business Council, Mr Singh highlighted the potential of Indian startups to provide cost-effective solutions in areas such as naval systems, drones, surveillance, space defense sectors and aviation. The ministry added: “He invited British companies to invest in the Indian defence corridors in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, where they can take advantage of state-level incentives and a rapidly growing defence manufacturing ecosystem.” Mr Singh noted that India is working with the British ministry to develop a roadmap for industrial cooperation in this regard.

Prior to the UK visit, Mr. Singer was held in Rome from 14 to 15 April, where he co-chaired the 11th India-Italy United Nations Defense Commission (JDC) meeting. He also held talks with Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto. “During the meeting, there were fruitful discussions between the two sides, aiming to further strengthen defense cooperation and become a key pillar of the India-Italy strategic partnership,” the ministry said.

The JDC conference covers defense, security and industrial cooperation, including maritime cooperation and information sharing, with a focus on transgender regional maritime networks. Security conditions in the Red Sea and western Indian Ocean were also discussed.

Under the JDC’s sidelines, the Indian Defense Manufacturers Association (SIDM) and Alitalia, Defense and Security (AIAD) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to promote closer cooperation between the national defense industry. The SIDM delegation accompanied the Minister of Defense to promote business-to-business ties.