A free and open Indo-Pacific, defence collaboration with focus on production in India and technology transfer and a “massive push’’ for an FTA by Diwali were among issues that dominated the agenda of UK PM Boris Johnson’s first summit meeting with his counterpart Narendra Modi in India.
The two countries signed two G2G MoUs including one in nuclear energy partnership. Four non-government MoUs were also signed.
Addressing Modi as a ‘khas dost’ (dear friend), and calling the partnership with India “one of the defining friendships of our times’’, Johnson said in his media statement that the new and enhanced defence partnership will support the ‘Make in India’ initiative. The UK announced an Open General Export Licence, apparently the first for any Indo-Pacific country, to expedite defence procurement by India and also support for a new fighter jet technology.
“The idea was that there would be greater emphasis on two salient features, which is basically production in India and transfer of technology, using this not only to meet our needs, but to meet global requirements in terms of defence items. So what we’re looking at is a combination of UK’s technology and our production base to make it a win- win situation,’’ said foreign secretary Harsh Shringla, while welcoming the announcement by the UK.
Interestingly, in reply to a question by a British journalist on UK supplies finding their way into Russian weapons, Johnson said UK will have measures in place to prevent it. A defence ministerial dialogue will be held later this year to finalise all framework agreements, according to the joint statement.
According to the joint statement, both leaders expressed zero tolerance for terrorism in all its forms— and for all those who encourage, support and finance terrorism or provide sanctuary to terrorists and terror groups - whatever their motivation may be. However, they specifically mentioned the Mumbai and Pathankot attacks while condemning terrorist attacks in India and UK.
While the two leaders underlined their “shared vision’’ of an open, free, inclusive and rules-based Indo-Pacific region in which countries are free from military, economic, and political coercion, the joint statement did not name South China Sea.
(With inputs from agencies)