New Delhi: Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh during his two day visit to London urged UK companies to explore partnerships with Indian defence start-ups and invited investment in India’s dedicated defence corridors.
He was in London from April 16-17, 2025, where he co-chaired the 24th India-UK Defence Consultative Group (DCG) meeting with David Williams, Permanent Under Secretary of State for Defence, according to a statement released by the Defence Ministry on April 18.
He discussed with top UK officials and business leaders the strengthening of collaboration in manufacturing of naval systems, drones, surveillance, defence space, and aviation.
Defence Secretary’s visit to London followed discussions in Rome aimed at enhancing defence cooperation with Italy, particularly in technology and armament production.
The Ministry stated, “Both sides reviewed the evolving regional and global geopolitical landscape and reaffirmed their shared commitment to deepening defence ties.” The discussions were held within the framework of the India-UK comprehensive strategic partnership announced in 2021 and the Roadmap 2030.
Defence Secretary Singh also met the UK’s National Security Adviser, Jonathan Powell during the visit. Their talks focused on expanding tri-service military engagements and strengthening collaboration between the defence industries of the two nations, according to the statement.
Addressing the participants at the India-UK Defence Industry Roundtable organised by the UK India Business Council, Rajesh Kumar Singh highlighted the potential of Indian start-ups to deliver cost-effective solutions in areas such as naval systems, drones, surveillance, space defence sector, and aviation.
“He invited UK firms to invest in India’s dedicated Defence Corridors in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, where they can take advantage of state-level incentives and a rapidly evolving defence manufacturing ecosystem,” the Ministry added. Singh noted that India is collaborating with the UK Ministry of Defence to develop an industrial cooperation roadmap in this regard.
Defence Secretary Singh was in Rome from April 14-15, prior to his UK visit. In Rome, he co-chaired the 11th India-Italy Joint Defence Committee (JDC) meeting. He also held talks with Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto. According to the Ministry, during the meeting, the two sides held productive discussions aimed at further enhancing defence cooperation as a key pillar of India-Italy strategic partnership.
With an emphasis on the Trans Regional Maritime Network, the JDC meeting covered defence, security, and industrial cooperation, including maritime cooperation and information sharing. The security situation in the Red Sea and the Western Indian Ocean Region was also discussed.
A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM) and the Italian Companies for Aerospace, Defence and Security (AIAD) on the sidelines of the JDC, to foster closer cooperation between the nations’ defence industries. A delegation from SIDM accompanied the Defence Secretary to promote business-to-business connections.
