Syllabus
GS Paper 2 Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.
Applications where to apply?
When asked about
– Evolving nature of India-UK relations
– Indo-Pacific security landscape.
– India’s Defence capabilities
– Prelims fact on Electric propulsion technology.
Context
Recent visit of Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to the United Kingdom (U.K.) puts focus on opportunities for India-U.K. defence cooperation that have grown significantly in recent years.
Source
The Hindu | Editorial dated 19- January 2024
Crafting a new phase in IndiaU.K. defence ties
The Indian Ocean, once a periphery of global power dynamics, has emerged as a key theatre for competition and cooperation in the 21st century. Amidst this shifting landscape, the burgeoning defence partnership between India and the United Kingdom (UK), is of particular interest.
History of India – UK Defence ties
- The history of India-UK defence ties is complex, shaped by centuries of colonialism, shared wars, ideological divergence, and ultimately, a convergence of strategic interests in the face of new global challenges.
- Formation of the British Indian Army: In the 18th century, the British East India Company raised Indian regiments, gradually forming the formidable British Indian Army. Indian soldiers played a crucial role in British colonial wars and expeditions, from securing India’s frontiers to fighting in World Wars I and II.
- Transfer of Power and Independence: After India’s independence in 1947, the British Indian Army was split between India and Pakistan
Post-Independence Divergence (1947-1991)
- India’s Non-Alignment and Soviet Leanings: India pursued a policy of non-alignment during the Cold War, often aligning with the Soviet Union for defence equipment and training. This kept India and the UK at a distance in terms of defence cooperation.
- UK’s Focus on NATO and Western Allies: The UK, as a key member of NATO, focused on alliances with Western nations and had limited defence engagement with India during this period.
Shifting Strategic Realities (1991-Present)
- End of Cold War and India’s Economic Reforms: The end of the Cold War and India’s economic liberalization in the 1990s opened new avenues for defence cooperation. India began diversifying its arms imports, and the UK emerged as a potential partner.
- Rise of China and Shared Security Concerns: The rise of China as a major power in the 21st century, particularly its growing assertiveness in the Indian Ocean, has brought India and the UK closer together due to shared security concerns.
Current Defence Cooperation
- India-UK 2+2 Foreign and Defence Dialogue: diplomatic summits involving the foreign and defense ministers.
- Joint Military Exercises like Ajeya Warrior,a bilateral exercise conducted by the armies of both countries with an aim to strengthen military cooperation and enhance interoperability between the Indian and British armies.
- Littoral Response Group Deployment (2024): In a first, the UK will deploy a specialized amphibious warfare group, the Littoral Response Group (LRG), to the Indo-Pacific region in 2024.
- On the margins of the September 2023 G20 Summit in New Delhi, the leaders of India and the United Kingdom met and agreed to build ‘a modern partnership in cutting-edge defence technology, trade and innovation’.
- The UK government supports India’s plans to develop its defence industry, it issued an India-specific open general-export licence – the first given to an Indo-Pacific country – to permit exports of certain military and dual-use goods and technology.
- British and Indian officials participated in a track 1.5 workshop in London hosted by the International Institute for Strategic Studies on bilateral defence and military-technology cooperation, in partnership with India’s online defence portal Bharat Shakti.
- Establishment of a joint working group dubbed the “India-UK electric propulsion capability partnership”.
- The British have agreed to train, equip and help establish the infrastructure necessary to develop an electric propulsion system.
- Britain’s Defence Science & Technology Laboratory and India’s Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) undertakes joint-research, co-design, co-development and joint production of defence technology and systems, particularly in key and emerging military technologies including electric propulsion systems.
Opportunities in India-UK Defence Ties
- Joint Technology Development and Transfer:
- Access to advanced British technologies like electric propulsion for aircraft carriers, missile systems, and radar technology can boost India’s defence capabilities and reduce dependence on other countries.
- Enhanced Maritime Security and Regional Stability:
- Collaboration in areas like anti-piracy operations, information sharing, and capacity building can contribute to a more secure maritime environment in the Indo-Pacific region, benefitting both India and the UK.
- Joint presence and naval exercises can deter Chinese expansionism and promote freedom of navigation, upholding international maritime laws.
- Boosting India’s Indigenous Defence Manufacturing:
- Technology transfer and joint ventures can provide a vital boost to India’s “Make in India” initiative, fostering self-reliance and reducing dependence on imports.
- This can create high-skilled jobs, stimulate local R&D, and ultimately strengthen India’s overall defence preparedness.
- Strengthening International Partnerships:
- A closer India-UK partnership can serve as a cornerstone for broader alliances and coalitions in the Indo-Pacific, creating a united front against emerging security threats.
- This can enhance regional stability and promote a rules-based order in the international arena.
Challenges in India-UK Defence Ties
- Legacy Issues and Historical Baggage:
- Colonial past and differing perspectives on events like the Jallianwala Bagh massacre can occasionally resurface and create strains in the relationship.
- Balancing Divergent Priorities:
- While China’s growing power might bring India and the UK closer on defence, they may have differing priorities on other regional issues, such as relations with Pakistan or involvement in certain global conflicts.
- Nettlesome issues surrounding Khalistan and Sikh separatism will cloud the relationship.
- Issues like the ongoing dispute over extradition of Indian economic offenders can further complicate cooperation.
Navigating these diverging interests requires careful diplomacy and mutual understanding to avoid friction and maintain the collaborative spirit.
Conclusion
India-UK defence partnership is a dynamic and evolving phenomenon with significant implications for the Indo-Pacific region. As the 21st century unfolds, the success of this partnership will hinge on its ability to navigate the complexities of the changing global order and translate its shared interests into a robust and sustainable security architecture for the Indo-Pacific.
RELATED TOPICS
Electric propulsion system
Electric propulsion is revolutionizing the world of warships, offering a range of advantages that are transforming naval warfare:
- Stealth: Electric motors operate silently, minimizing a warship’s acoustic signature. This makes it harder for enemies to detect the ship, providing a tactical advantage in both offensive and defensive scenarios.
- More Powerful and Advanced Technology: With more electrical power available, warships can integrate and operate increasingly sophisticated and power-hungry technologies.
References
https://www.iiss.org/online-analysis/online-analysis/2024/01/indias-defence-minister-visits-the-uk/
https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1994935
Practice Question
What are the key drivers of India-UK defence partnership, and what are the potential challenges and opportunities? Do you think this partnership can play a significant role in shaping the Indo-Pacific security landscape? [250 words]