India and the United Kingdom held the 25th India-UK Defence Consultative Group (DCG) Meeting in New Delhi on August 21, 2026, with both sides reviewing ongoing defence cooperation and discussing avenues to further strengthen the bilateral strategic partnership.
Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh co-chaired the meeting with Jeremy Pocklington, Permanent Under Secretary for Defence of the United Kingdom. The discussions focused on strengthening defence-industrial cooperation, with particular emphasis on research and development under the India-UK Vision 2035 and the Ten-Year Defence Industrial Roadmap.
Both sides reviewed progress in ongoing industrial cooperation and discussed opportunities to expand collaboration in advanced defence technologies and capability development. The emphasis on research and development reflects the growing focus on building long-term industrial and technological partnerships between the two countries.
The two sides also agreed to expand exchanges between the Indian and British armed forces through joint exercises, professional training and capacity-building initiatives. Such engagements are aimed at enhancing interoperability, sharing operational experience and strengthening military-to-military cooperation.
Maritime security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific was another important area of discussion. Both countries acknowledged the robust collaboration in the maritime domain, including the establishment of the Regional Maritime Security Centre of Excellence under the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative.
The officials also exchanged views on regional peace and security and reaffirmed their commitment to mutual security and strategic autonomy. They reiterated that the India-UK Strategic Partnership is anchored in shared values of peace, stability, freedom and mutual respect.
The meeting marked the first visit to India by Jeremy Pocklington in his capacity as the UK’s Permanent Under Secretary for Defence. His visit included several engagements aimed at strengthening the broader defence relationship between the two countries.
Prior to the DCG meeting, the UK Defence Secretary laid a wreath at the National War Memorial in New Delhi and paid homage to Indian soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice in service of the nation.
During his visit, he also visited Gandhi Smriti Museum and the National Defence College in New Delhi. He further held a bilateral interaction with General NS Raja Subramani, Chief of Defence Staff, where issues of mutual interest and defence cooperation were discussed.
The 25th Defence Consultative Group Meeting reaffirmed the longstanding defence partnership between India and the UK and provided an important platform for both sides to review existing cooperation and identify new areas for collaboration.
The discussions underscored the growing importance of defence technology, industrial cooperation, military exchanges and maritime security in advancing the India-UK Strategic Partnership and contributing to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific.
