NEW DELHI: India and the United Kingdom said on Tuesday they will deepen strategic cooperation in the Indo-Pacific and face together “shared security threats” amid China’s show of force in the region. The United Kingdom has become the second most important European nation after France deepen security cooperation with India in the Indo-Pacific region in the past two months.
Earlier today, Foreign Minister S Jaishankar held wide-ranging talks with UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab, focusing on five key areas, including defense and security.
Speaking about the growing congruence in strategic ties, the British Foreign Secretary said that a closer relationship with India and the Indo-Pacific region in general is one of the “highest political priorities” for the UK government. .
Raab also said his government is committed to building a stronger defense and security partnership with India, adding that it will help address issues of shared interest such as terrorism and maritime security and piracy in the western Indian Ocean.
He said the UK also wants to work with India to make 5G networks stronger and more secure.
“It will also help us respond to new and emerging challenges such as space and cybersecurity. We want to work together to ensure that our telecommunications networks, our 5G networks, are more secure and resilient,” he said.
The statement takes on significance as the UK seeks to build a 5G club of 10 democracies, including India, amid growing security concerns related to Chinese telecoms giant Huawei. It has also announced the complete removal of Huawei from its 5G network.
Jaishankar, in his comments, said: “As democratic political entities, market economies and pluralistic societies, we can, must and will make a difference in realizing a rules-based global order.”
Meanwhile, the two sides also agreed on the key elements of an ambitious 10-year roadmap to further expand ties.
“We agreed on the key elements of a 10-year roadmap between the UK and India so that we can achieve a radical change in the ambition of the relationship between our two countries. We hope to move forward in 2021, including through the Presidency from the UK from the G7 and also our Presidency of the UN Climate Change Conference, “said Raab.
Earlier today, Raab had confirmed that the British Prime Minister Boris johnson accepted the invitation from India to attend the Republic Day celebrations on January 26 as the main guest.
According to Downing Street, Johnson said his visit to India will mark the beginning of an “exciting year” for the global UK and give a “qualitative leap” in bilateral relations.
“As a key player in the Indo-Pacific region, India is an increasingly indispensable partner for the UK as we work to boost jobs and growth, address shared threats to our security and protect our planet,” Johnson said.
India and several other nations have been stepping up their efforts to counter an expansionist China in the Indo-Pacific region.
Last month, the Quad group made up of India, the United States, Australia and Japan concluded the Malabar naval exercise in the region with the aim of sending a clear message to China. It was the first time in 13 years that all four nations participated in mega war games.
(With inputs from agencies)
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