United Kingdom House of Commons Defence Select Committee’s Mumbai Visit Strengthens Defense Cooperation with India

Mumbai, July 19-21, 2023: The visit of the United Kingdom House of Commons Defence Select Committee to Mumbai marked a significant milestone in enhancing defense cooperation between the UK and India. Led by The Rt Hon Tobias Elwood, MP, the delegation aimed to gain a comprehensive understanding of the current situation in the Indo-Pacific and Indian Ocean Region and explore ways for the UK to contribute to regional security.

During their visit, the committee members engaged in fruitful discussions with Vice Admiral Sanjay Bhalla, NM, Chief of Staff, Headquarters Western Naval Command, and other senior officers. The talks focused on shared interests and collaborative efforts to strengthen security in the region. The visit provided an excellent opportunity for both nations to explore avenues for enhanced defense cooperation between their maritime forces.

The delegation also had the privilege of visiting INS Mormugao, the Indian Navy’s latest indigenous destroyer, showcasing India’s unwavering commitment to bolstering its naval capabilities.

Over the years, defense-related ties between India and the UK have grown, and bilateral exercises such as Konkan-23, conducted in March 2023, have played a pivotal role in reinforcing maritime security and upholding a rules-based order in the region.

The visit by the Defence Select Committee underscores the continuous efforts of both countries to enhance interoperability in various domains, forging a stronger partnership in the Indo-Pacific and Indian Ocean Region. With shared interests and a common goal of promoting peace and stability in the region, India and the UK remain steadfast in their commitment to working together for regional security and prosperity.