• UGI USER
  • Jan 15, 2024
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RAJNATH’S VISIT TO UK: PROGRESS IN TALKS TO GET KEY TECH FOR WARSHIPS

Why in the news?

  • Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s recent visit to the UK saw significant progress in discussions about acquiring electric propulsion technology for future Indian warships.
  • Indian warships currently lack electric propulsion systems, relying on diesel engines, gas, or steam turbines.

Potential Government-to-Government Agreement:

  • Possibilities explored include a government-to-government agreement to obtain electric propulsion technology from the UK.
  • The technology, currently integrated into the UK Royal Navy’s Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers, may power larger Indian Navy warships.
  • Application of Technology:
    • The technology may first be tested on Landing Platform Docks and next-generation destroyers.
    • The focus is on larger Indian warships with a displacement of over 6,000 tonnes.

Joint Working Group and Previous Meetings:

  • A joint electronic propulsion working group, established by both countries, met in the UK in February and later on the Royal Navy frigate HMS Lancaster in Kochi in March last year.
  • The joint working group reconvened in November to discuss developing maritime electric propulsion technology for India’s future warships.

Three-Pronged Strategy for India-UK relations:

  • Defence Minister Singh’s visit emphasized a three-pronged strategy for India-UK relations: defence, trade, and technology.
  • Discussions highlighted enhanced bilateral defence engagements, joint exercises, military ties, and efforts to strengthen defence industrial cooperation, particularly in technology.

Hope for Free Trade Agreement:

  • UK PM Rishi Sunak expressed hope for concluding Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations soon.
  • Emphasized the UK’s interest in bolstering defence and security aspects, supporting business and technology partnerships with Indian entities.

Collaboration in Defence Areas:

  • Meetings with the British Foreign Secretary included discussions on the UK government’s desire to collaborate with India in defence areas.
  • Singh highlighted positive interactions with the UK defence industry and the growing bilateral defence relationship.