Deepening India-U.K. Ties: Defence, Investment, and Education Partnerships
UPSC Relevance
Prelims: International Relations (India-UK relations); Defence (Missile systems); Indian Economy (Foreign Investment); Education (Foreign Universities in India, National Education Policy - NEP).
Mains:
General Studies Paper 2 (International Relations & Education): Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests; Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Education.
General Studies Paper 3 (Economy & Security): Indigenization of technology and developing new technology; Security challenges.
Key Highlights from the News
Significant progress in defense, economic, and educational cooperation between India and the UK during the British Prime Minister's visit to India.
Key Agreements and Announcements:
Defense Deal: India decided to purchase Lightweight Multirole Missiles (LMM) worth £350 million from the UK for the Indian Army.
Defense Cooperation: Both countries agreed to jointly develop electric-powered engines for Naval ships.
Investment: 64 Indian companies will invest £1.3 billion in the UK (e.g., TVS Motor, Cyient, Muthoot Finance).
Education: Permission granted for prominent U.K. varsities like Lancaster and Surrey to open campuses in India.
These initiatives are a result of the business confidence created by the recently signed India-U.K. trade deal.
This indicates a strengthening of the strategic partnership between the two countries.
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