The Hindu Editorial Analysis- 19th January 2024 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

Crafting a new phase in India-U.K. defence ties

Why in News?

India and the U.K. signed two agreements during Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s visit to London on 9th January.

• The first is a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) establishing a bilateral international cadet exchange program.
• The second is a Letter of Arrangement (LoA) focusing on defence collaboration in Research and Development.

India-UK Defence Relations

Historical Context:

• The foundation of India-UK defence ties dates back to the colonial era when British forces played a crucial role in shaping India's military structure. However, the dynamics underwent a transformation post-Independence in 1947.
• Over the years, the relationship evolved from a colonial legacy to a strategic partnership, marked by shared democratic values, a common language, and historical linkages.

Evolving Partnership:

• The 21st century witnessed a renewed focus on bolstering defence collaboration between India and the UK.
• High-level visits and dialogues between the leadership of both nations have paved the way for enhanced cooperation in areas such as counter-terrorism, maritime security, and joint military exercises.
• The signing of the 'Framework for the India-UK Defence Partnership' in 2020 marked a significant milestone, providing a comprehensive roadmap for future engagements.

Contemporary Dynamics:

Defence Trade:

• India is among the top importers of UK defence equipment.
• The UK has supplied India with naval vessels, aircraft, and advanced technology.
• The UK is the third-largest arms exporter globally, indicating its role in India's defence procurement.

Framework for the India-UK Defence Partnership (2020):

• The signing of this framework provides a comprehensive roadmap for collaboration, encompassing joint military exercises, technology transfer, and institutional linkages.

Joint Military Exercises:

• Examples include 'Exercise Ajeya Warrior,' strengthening interoperability between the Indian Army and the British Army.
• Such exercises foster mutual understanding, operational coordination, and shared best practices.

Joint Exercises between the UK and India

Ajeya Warrior:

• Type: Army Exercise
• Objective: Enhance counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency capabilities.
• Details: Ajeya Warrior is a biennial exercise that alternates between India and the UK. It involves the Indian Army and the British Army and focuses on urban warfare, close-quarter battle drills, and joint tactical exercises.

Konkan:

• Type: Naval Exercise
• Objective: Improve maritime cooperation and interoperability between the Indian Navy and the Royal Navy.
• Details: Konkan is an annual naval exercise that has been conducted since 2004. It includes various facets of naval operations such as anti-submarine warfare, air defense, and surface warfare.

Indra Dhanush:

• Type: Air Force Exercise
• Objective: Enhance cooperation and understanding between the Indian Air Force and the Royal Air Force.
• Details: Indra Dhanush is an air force exercise that focuses on joint air combat and air mobility operations. It helps in exchanging expertise in areas such as fighter operations and air maintenance.

Exercise Information Warrior:

• Type: Joint Cyber Exercise
• Objective: Strengthen cyber capabilities and cooperation in dealing with cyber threats.
• Details: Information Warrior is a cyber exercise conducted by both nations to enhance their abilities to counter cyber threats and protect critical infrastructure.

Exercise Cope India:

• Type: Air Force Exercise
• Objective: Improve combat capabilities and interoperability between the Indian Air Force and the Royal Air Force.
• Details: Cope India is a trilateral exercise involving the Indian Air Force, the United States Air Force, and the Royal Air Force. It focuses on air combat training, aerial refueling, and airlift missions.

Ex-Eastron:

• Type: Joint Ground Exercise
• Objective: Enhance capabilities in joint anti-terrorism operations.
• Details: Ex-Eastron is a joint exercise involving the Indian and British Special Forces. It focuses on special operations and counter-terrorism scenarios.

These joint exercises play a crucial role in fostering military-to-military cooperation, building trust and understanding between the armed forces of India and the United Kingdom. They also contribute to the overall strategic partnership, addressing shared security concerns and promoting regional and global stability.

Maritime Security Cooperation:

• The Joint Working Group on Defence and International Security collaborates on maritime security issues, including anti-piracy efforts.
• Cooperation in the Indian Ocean region addresses shared concerns about sea-lane security.

Counter-Terrorism Collaboration:

• Both nations face threats from global terrorism. Intelligence sharing, joint training exercises, and technology collaboration enhance counter-terrorism efforts.
• Collaborative initiatives include addressing radicalization, countering extremist narratives, and sharing best practices in counter-terrorism.

Some significant Defense Agreements and collaborations:

Framework for the India-UK Defence Partnership (2020):

• Objective: This framework outlines the vision for the India-UK defense relationship, emphasizing collaboration in areas such as military-to-military cooperation, defense trade, technology transfer, and joint research and development.

Defense Logistics Pact (2019):

• Objective: Facilitate reciprocal logistical support between the armed forces of India and the UK during training, exercises, and other authorized activities.
• Details: The agreement enables the exchange of logistics support, including supplies, services, and transportation.

Joint Working Group on Defence and International Security:

• Objective: Enhance strategic defense dialogue and cooperation between the two countries.
• Details: The Joint Working Group focuses on various aspects of defense and international security, contributing to regular consultations and collaboration.

Defense Capability Seminar (2015):

• Objective: Promote defense-industrial collaboration and explore opportunities for defense trade and technology transfer.
• Details: The seminar provides a platform for defense industries in both countries to interact, exchange ideas, and explore avenues for collaboration.

Information Security Agreement (ISA) (2013):

• Objective: Enhance cooperation in the field of information security.
• Details: The ISA aims to strengthen the exchange of information related to cyber threats, critical infrastructure protection, and other areas of mutual interest.

Joint Training and Exercises:

• Regular joint military exercises, including Ajeya Warrior (Army), Konkan (Naval), and Indra Dhanush (Air Force), contribute to enhanced interoperability and understanding between the armed forces of India and the UK. 

Institutional Mechanisms

Defence Consultative Group meeting (DCG):

• DCG is held at the level of Defence Secretary and the UK counterpart.
• The 22nd DCG meeting took place in UK on 3 October 2023.
• Both sides considered new areas for defence industrial cooperation and explored emerging domains such as cyber and Artificial Intelligence. They committed to working together for strengthening the bilateral defence relationship.

Home Affairs Dialogue (HAD):

• HAD is held at the level of Home Secretary and the UK counterpart. 5th HAD was held in Delhi in April 2023.
• During the meeting both sides reviewed the ongoing cooperation and identified further steps that can be taken to explore opportunities and synergies in advancing cooperation in counter-terrorism, cyber security & global supply chains, drug trafficking, migration, extradition, anti-India activities in UK including Pro-Khalistan Extremism among other issues.

Counter Terrorism Dialogue:

• The 15th India-UK CT Dialogue was held in London on 4-5 April 2022.

Cyber Security Dialogue:

• India-UK Cyber Security Dialogue was held in London from 11-12 April 2022.

Challenges and Opportunities:

• Challenges include divergent geopolitical priorities and bureaucratic hurdles, requiring diplomatic efforts for resolution.
• Opportunities lie in leveraging mutual interests, aligning strategic objectives, and addressing common security concerns.

Global Implications:

• India-UK defence collaboration contributes to regional stability and has implications for global security architecture.
• As both nations navigate a changing world order, their partnership enhances collective efforts against common security threats.

Conclusion

• India-UK Defence relations, marked by historical resonance and contemporary strategic convergence, hold immense potential for addressing shared security challenges.
• As the global security paradigm continues to evolve, the India-UK defence partnership stands as a testament to the importance of cooperative engagements in ensuring regional and global stability.