India-UK Sign Major Defense Deal Worth ₹4200 Crore

On October 9, the United Kingdom signed a significant defense agreement with India. As part of this deal, Britain will supply light missiles to the Indian Army. The deal is valued at 350 million pounds (approximately ₹4200 crore).

The missiles will be manufactured by the Thales company in Northern Ireland. This deal will help safeguard around 700 jobs in the UK. The same factory also produces similar weapons for Ukraine.

This announcement came during UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer's visit to Mumbai, where he met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Both leaders praised the recent trade agreement between their nations, stating it will further enhance bilateral trade and defense cooperation.

This missile deal is expected to strengthen the defense partnership between India and the UK. Additionally, discussions are underway for a larger weapons agreement between the two countries.

Furthermore, the UK has signed another agreement with India to manufacture electric engines for naval ships. The initial value of this deal is 250 million pounds, aiming to boost technological collaboration between the two countries.

Over the past year, Prime Minister Starmer has focused on strengthening the UK’s defense sector to support the economy and increase arms exports. Recently, the UK also signed a $13.5 billion warship deal with Norway. Starmer aims for the UK to meet NATO’s defense spending targets.

These deals are mutually beneficial. India will gain access to modern weapons and technology, while the UK’s economy will receive a boost. Leaders from both countries have expressed enthusiasm about deepening this strategic partnership.