In a significant development aimed at enhancing defence ties between India and the United Kingdom, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that Indian Air Force (IAF) flying instructors will be deployed as trainers within the Royal Air Force (RAF) of the UK. This announcement followed high-level discussions between Modi and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in Mumbai, signaling a new chapter in military collaboration between the two nations focusing on training, technological advancements, and talent exchange.
During a joint press conference, Modi articulated the essence of this partnership as being founded on “trustworthiness, talent, and technology.” He underlined the importance of combining India’s vibrant capabilities with the UK’s extensive expertise to foster elevated cooperation. The agreement is designed to boost confidence between the two countries and aims to facilitate professional exchanges between their respective air forces by leveraging shared training methodologies and operational experiences.
Modi also referenced the earlier signing of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) during his visit to London in July. He highlighted that this agreement would lower import costs, generate job opportunities, and further stimulate trade relations between India and the UK. The integration of defence collaboration into this broader strategic framework emphasizes India’s emerging role as a significant hub for advanced military training and international security partnerships.
Defence officials on both sides have welcomed this initiative as a landmark achievement in India-UK relations, viewing it as a testament to the growing mutual trust and commitment to fostering robust defence and technological affiliations in the future.
