UK-India Partnership A Geopolitical Necessity: Defence Minister Alex Chalk

The Uttar Pradesh Global Investors Summit on Sunday assured a great defence partnership between India and the United Kingdom as the British minister of state for defence procurement, Alex Chalk tagged the India-UK defence partnership as a ‘geopolitical necessity’.

The British minister’s statement was applauded at the summit with chief minister Yogi Adityanath acknowledging his full cooperation with the partnership and UK investments.

Chalk expressed the danger of war-like situations around the globe with China’s increasing belligerence and its systematic challenge to international rules.

Acceleration of defence partnership is most important, he added.

He stressed that a sovereign, self-reliant and resilient country like India requires a sovereign defence industry that is not only vital for the region but also for the world.

He further accepted staying committed, maintaining a partnership with Uttar Pradesh, especially in the defence sector. As the state is playing its role on a large scale under the ‘Make in India’ campaign towards meeting India’s defence needs.

He added the UK's contribution in this role will be in many areas, including investment along with manufacturing of strategic and tactical weaponry.

He said his country is all set for a historic partnership with India with the largest-ever transfer of jet engine technology. The technology will enhance thrust to the Make in India capabilities ensuring the nation is one of the six countries in the world to own this capability.

He emphasised Yogi Adityanath’s vision for Uttar Pradesh, a state with a great economy and advanced infrastructure. He added UP will soon be established as the engine of new India.

Meanwhile, a comprehensive partnership is being looked forward between the UK and Uttar Pradesh facilitating both countries, adding more than 30 British businesses partnering.

Chalk underlined the signing of seven MoUs, committing 165 million pounds with UP to generate thousands of jobs.