New Delhi Jan 10 (UNI) Defence Minister Rajnath Singh while welcoming the investment and technology collaboration from the UK, said that India is ready with skilled human resource base, a robust pro-FDI and pro-business ecosystem, and a huge domestic market.
Rajnath Singh asserted that under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is surging ahead on the path of becoming a developed economy by 2047.
The ambition is backed by a clear headed roadmap to chart the course, and is backed by the collective will-power of 1.4 billion Indians to stay the course, he said.
The Defence Minister was speaking at the UK-India Defence Industry CEOs Roundtable, which was co-chaired by the UK Secretary of State for Defence Grant Shapps, an official statement said here.
Highlighting the importance of India-UK ties, Singh said there is a symbiotic relationship between the two countries and the Government of India envisions an enriching partnership with UK to cooperate, co-create and co-innovate. “By synergising the strengths of our nations, we can do great things together,” he added.
The UK Defence Minister agreed with the statement of his Indian counterpart regarding the symbiotic relationship between India and UK.
Grant Shapps further stated that the ties transcend the normal buyer-seller relationship and is fundamentally a strategic partnership.
Meanwhile, the UK industry leaders outlined their current and future plans for India. Aero-engines, electric propulsion, missiles, power-packs, and maritime systems were identified as some of the focus areas of joint work.
Singh noted the positivity and enthusiasm of UK CEOs & business leaders on working in India and with the Indian companies.
The meeting was attended by UK Minister of State for Defence Procurement, James Cartildge, several CEOs from UK defence industry, CII India representatives and others. The Roundtable included thematic discussions on strengthening the India-UK defence industrial relationship.
Later in the day, Rajnath Singh is scheduled to meet UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, and UK Foreign Secretary (Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs) David Cameron.