Rajnath Singh to become first by Indian defence minister to visit UK in 22 years

The last ministerial level visit to the UK occurred 22 years ago, therefore Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s three-day visit is expected to be vital to the bilateral partnership in the field of defense and security.

Rajnath Singh’s official visit is much awaited after the Indian side canceled his previously scheduled June 2022 visit to the UK for “protocol reasons”.

In addition to having extensive discussions with his counterpart in the UK, Defence Secretary Grant Shapps, Singh is anticipated to examine a ceremonial Guard of Honour and visit memorials dedicated to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and Mahatma Gandhi in London.

His three-day program is also anticipated to include a community engagement with people from the Indian diaspora in the UK.

But experts think the emphasis should be on operationalizing the defense sector’s Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives under the Narendra Modi-led administration. This is because there is a chance for a ministerial-level discussion.

An improved defence relationship between India and the UK began with former prime minister Boris Johnson’s visit to India in April 2022. During his visit, Johnson announced the establishment of an Open General Export License (OGEL) for India, which the UK government claimed would “slash delivery times for defence procurement” and “reduce bureaucracy.”

All facets of the relationship are under intense scrutiny as India and the UK get ready for general elections this year. This includes accelerated discussions towards a free trade agreement (FTA), which is anticipated to greatly strengthen the GBP 36 billion bilateral partnership.

(With agency inputs)