India and UK Bolster Defence Ties at 25th Consultative Group Meeting in New Delhi
The 25th India-UK Defence Consultative Group (DCG) meeting, co-chaired by India's Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh and the UK's Permanent Under Secretary for Defence Mr. Jeremy Pocklington, recently concluded in New Delhi. Held on August 21, 2026, the high-level dialogue aimed at reviewing and strengthening the ongoing defence and industrial cooperation between the two nations.
A key focus of the discussions was the enhancement of defence industrial collaboration, with particular emphasis on research and development initiatives outlined in the India-UK Vision 2035 and the Ten-Year Defence Industrial Roadmap. Both sides expressed commitment to expanding bilateral exchanges between their armed forces through joint exercises, comprehensive training programs, and capacity-building initiatives.
Maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region also formed a crucial part of the agenda. The officials acknowledged the robust cooperation already established in this domain, including the role of the Regional Maritime Security Centre of Excellence under India's Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative. Further, both Secretaries exchanged views on regional peace and security issues, reaffirming their shared commitment to mutual security and strategic autonomy, underpinned by common values of peace, stability, freedom, and mutual respect.
Mr. Pocklington's visit marked his first to India in his current capacity, during which he also paid homage at the National War Memorial and engaged in bilateral interactions with India's Chief of Defence Staff, General NS Raja Subramani. This meeting signifies a continued deepening of the longstanding defence partnership between India and the UK, reflecting a shared strategic outlook in a evolving global security landscape.
