India, UK Hold 25th Defence Consultative Group Meeting in New Delhi to Boost Industrial Cooperation
India and the United Kingdom used the 25th India-UK Defence Consultative Group (DCG) meeting in New Delhi on August 21, 2026, to take stock of their defence partnership and map out the next phase of cooperation, with a strong focus on industrial collaboration, military exchanges and maritime security in the Indo-Pacific.
The meeting was co-chaired by Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and Jeremy Pocklington, the Permanent Under Secretary for Defence of the United Kingdom. According to the discussions, both sides reviewed ongoing defence cooperation while also identifying areas where the relationship can be deepened further under the India-UK Strategic Partnership.
A major part of the conversation centred on defence-industrial cooperation. The two sides discussed research and development as a priority area under the India-UK Vision 2035 and the Ten-Year Defence Industrial Roadmap, reflecting a shared interest in building longer-term technological and industrial links rather than limiting engagement to conventional military-to-military ties.
Officials reviewed progress already made in industrial cooperation and explored opportunities to widen collaboration in advanced defence technologies and capability development. The emphasis on research and development was presented as part of a broader effort to create durable partnerships in defence production and innovation.
Another important outcome of the meeting was agreement to expand exchanges between the Indian and British armed forces. These will include joint exercises, professional training and capacity-building initiatives, which both sides see as useful for improving interoperability and sharing operational experience.
Maritime security in the Indo-Pacific also featured prominently in the talks. India and the UK noted the strength of their cooperation in the maritime domain, including the establishment of the Regional Maritime Security Centre of Excellence under the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative.
The officials exchanged views on regional peace and security as well, and reiterated their commitment to mutual security and strategic autonomy. They said the India-UK Strategic Partnership rests on shared values of peace, stability, freedom and mutual respect.
The DCG meeting also carried added significance because it was the first visit to India by Jeremy Pocklington in his role as the UK’s Permanent Under Secretary for Defence. His trip included a series of engagements intended to strengthen the wider defence relationship between the two countries.
Before attending the DCG meeting, the UK Defence Secretary laid a wreath at the National War Memorial in New Delhi to honour Indian soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice in service of the nation.
He also visited Gandhi Smriti Museum and the National Defence College in New Delhi during the trip. In addition, he held a bilateral interaction with General NS Raja Subramani, Chief of Defence Staff, during which the two sides discussed issues of mutual interest and defence cooperation.
The 25th Defence Consultative Group meeting served as a review of existing cooperation as well as a forum for identifying fresh areas of engagement. It reaffirmed the longstanding defence relationship between India and the UK at a time when both countries are looking to expand cooperation across technology, industry, training and maritime security.
The discussions also highlighted the growing role of defence technology, industrial partnerships, military exchanges and maritime security in shaping the India-UK Strategic Partnership and in supporting peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific.
