UK-India defence deal runs parallel to FTA talks, includes work on jet tech

Three rounds of negotiations for what is being called a free trade agreement - actually an interim or limited treaty - have now concluded

Following British Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s visit to India, India and the UK will further enhance their cooperation in the defence sector. This will entail collaboration ‘on new fighter jet technology, helicopters, and in the undersea battlespace’.

Fighter jets and helicopters are ongoing indigenous programmes which will be embellished by British know-how, design, and components. These have been happening in the development of the Tejas Mark 2 light combat aircraft — the new version of which is fitted with UK-made Rolls-Royce engines. The Tejas demonstrated its capability in a multi-nation air exercise in England last month.

Johnson was enthusiastic about opening a