New Delhi, August 21: India and the United Kingdom held the 25th India–UK Defence Consultative Group (DCG) Meeting in New Delhi on August 21, 2026, with discussions focused on strengthening defence-industrial cooperation, expanding military-to-military engagement and deepening collaboration in maritime security and emerging defence technologies.
The meeting was co-chaired by Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and Jeremy Pocklington, Permanent Under Secretary for Defence of the UK.
🛡️ Focus on Defence Industrial Cooperation
A major focus of the discussions was the ongoing India–UK defence industrial partnership, particularly cooperation in research and development (R&D).
Both sides reviewed progress under the India–UK Vision 2035 and the 10-Year Defence Industrial Roadmap, which provide a framework for expanding long-term defence cooperation between the two countries.
The discussions reflected the growing emphasis on developing stronger defence-industrial capabilities, promoting technological cooperation and identifying opportunities for closer collaboration between the defence sectors of India and the UK.
🎖️ More Joint Exercises and Military Exchanges
India and the UK also agreed to expand exchanges between their armed forces through joint military exercises, training programmes and capacity-building initiatives.
The two sides recognised that greater interaction between their armed forces can improve interoperability, exchange operational experience and strengthen mutual understanding.
The expanded military engagement is expected to provide additional opportunities for both countries to share best practices and enhance their ability to work together in areas of common strategic interest.
🌊 Stronger Maritime Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific
Maritime security in the Indo-Pacific was another important area discussed during the meeting.
India and the UK acknowledged the robust cooperation already taking place in the maritime domain, including the establishment of the Regional Maritime Security Centre of Excellence (RMSCE) under the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI).
The cooperation reflects the shared interest of both countries in maintaining a secure, stable and rules-based maritime environment across the Indo-Pacific.
Greater information sharing, capacity building and professional cooperation are expected to remain important elements of this partnership.
🌍 Regional Security and Strategic Autonomy
The two Defence Secretaries also exchanged views on regional peace and security, discussing developments of mutual interest and reaffirming their commitment to strengthening mutual security.
Both sides reiterated that the India–UK Strategic Partnership is founded on shared values including peace, stability, freedom and mutual respect.
India and the UK also reaffirmed the importance of strategic autonomy, highlighting the need for both countries to work together while safeguarding their respective national interests.
🇬🇧 First India Visit for Jeremy Pocklington
The meeting marked Jeremy Pocklington’s first visit to India in his capacity as the UK’s Permanent Under Secretary for Defence.
Prior to the DCG meeting, Pocklington paid tribute to Indian soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice by laying a wreath at the National War Memorial in New Delhi.
He also visited Gandhi Smriti Museum and the National Defence College during his visit.
🤝 Meeting with India’s Chief of Defence Staff
During his visit, the UK Defence official also held a bilateral interaction with General NS Raja Subramani, Chief of Defence Staff, providing an additional opportunity for discussions on defence and security cooperation between the two countries.
The engagement highlighted the importance attached by both sides to maintaining regular high-level military and defence dialogue.
🇮🇳🇬🇧 Longstanding Defence Partnership
The latest DCG meeting underlined the longstanding nature of India–UK defence cooperation and the commitment of both countries to maintaining regular consultations on issues of mutual interest.
With defence technology, R&D, industrial cooperation, military training and Indo-Pacific maritime security emerging as key areas, the partnership is increasingly focused on building practical capabilities alongside broader strategic engagement.
The 25th India–UK Defence Consultative Group Meeting therefore marked another step towards expanding bilateral defence cooperation, strengthening military interoperability and developing a more resilient and technologically capable partnership in the years ahead.