Ahead of a bilateral meeting at Hyderabad House, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on April 22 described the India-U.K. relationship as a “beacon in stormy seas.” 

Officials said Mr. Johnson is expected to offer a series of technological collaboration, including in the field of building fighter aircraft.

“Our collaboration on the issues that matter to both our countries, from climate change to energy security and defence, is of vital importance as we look to the future. I look forward to discussing these issues with Prime Minister Modi in New Delhi today and working together to deliver a more secure and prosperous future for both our peoples,” said Mr. Johnson in his first statement after a ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

A spokesperson from the British High Commission said the bilateral dialogue will include Indo-Pacific strategy and exchange of views on fighter jet technology, helicopters and the “undersea battlespace.”  

The U.K. will also issue an Open General Export Licence (OGEL) to support greater defence and security collaboration in the coming decade. The OGEL will reduce bureaucratic interference and shorten delivery time for India’s defence procurement. This is the first British OGEL in the Indo-Pacific region.

In his comments, Mr. Modi said, “good progress” is being made in the negotiations for the FTA and that both sides have decided to do their best to close the pact by the end of this year. “In the last few months, India has concluded Free Trade Agreements with UAE and Australia. At the same pace, with the same commitment, we would like to move forward on the FTA with the UK as well,” Mr. Modi said.

“We have also agreed to enhance cooperation in the defence sector. In the defence sector, we welcome the UK’s support for ‘self-reliant India’ in manufacturing, technology, design and development,” he said.

On Ukraine crisis

On the Ukraine crisis, Mr. Modi stressed on an immediate ceasefire and resolution of the problem through dialogue and diplomacy.

“We also reiterated the importance of respect for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of all countries,” he said.

Talking about the Indo-Pacific, Mr. Modi emphasised on maintaining a free, open, inclusive and rules-based order in the region and noted that India welcomed the UK’s decision to join the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative.

“We reiterated our support for a peaceful, stable and secure Afghanistan and for an inclusive and representative government. It is necessary that Afghan territory is not used to spread terrorism in other countries,” he said.

Mr. Johnson described the talks as wonderful and said the partnership between the U.K. and India is one of the “defining friendships of our time”.

India-U.K. further deepen their cooperation

Noting that “threats of autocratic coercion” are growing, the British Prime Minister said it is vital that both India and the UK further deepen their cooperation.

“Today, we are announcing new measures to make it easier to export UK-made medical devices to India and ensure mutual recognition of UK higher education qualification,” he said.

In the talks, the two Prime Ministers also discussed new cooperation on clean and renewable energy.

Mr. Johnson said it was aimed at supporting India’s energy transition from imported oil and increasing its resilience through secure and sustainable energy.

The two sides also launched a virtual Hydrogen Science and Innovation hub to accelerate affordable green hydrogen and unveiled plans in sync with the Green Grids Initiative announced at COP26.

Mr. Johnson visited Gujarat on Thursday before arriving in New Delhi late last evening.

The British Prime Minister said he received an amazing reception in Gujarat and felt like he was Amitabh Bachchan and Sachin Tendulkar.

The India-UK relationship was elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during the India-UK virtual summit held between Modi and Johnson in May last year.

At the summit, the two sides adopted a 10-year-roadmap to expand ties in the key areas of trade and economy, defence and security, climate change and people-to-people connections among others.

(With inputs from PTI)