In a landmark move to deepen India–UK defence cooperation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that Indian Air Force (IAF) flying instructors will serve as trainers in the United Kingdom’s Royal Air Force (RAF). The announcement came after high-level talks with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in Mumbai, marking a new phase in bilateral military collaboration focused on training, technology, and talent exchange.
Speaking at a joint press conference, PM Modi described the partnership as one rooted in “trustworthiness, talent, and technology,” emphasizing that the synergy between India’s dynamism and the UK’s expertise will elevate cooperation to new heights. He said that the agreement reflects growing mutual confidence and aims to enhance professional exchange between the two air forces through shared training and operational experiences.
PM Modi also recalled the signing of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) during his London visit in July, noting that it would reduce import costs, create employment opportunities, and further boost trade between the two countries. The inclusion of defence collaboration under this broader strategic partnership underscores India’s rising stature as a hub for advanced military training and global security cooperation.
Defence officials hailed the initiative as a milestone in India–UK ties, projecting it as a symbol of mutual trust and shared commitment to building stronger defence and technological linkages in the years ahead.
