UK firms in India: The UK India Business Council (UKIBC) recently shared a new report that talks about how the UK and India can work better together in defence. The report, called Unlocking Strategic Defence Opportunities: UK–India Engagement, came out on Friday and it explains the current situation, the problems UK companies are facing, and what can be done to improve things.
The report says that UK companies who are ready to invest for the long term and work closely with Indian partners will get the best results. This means putting money into Indian companies, building things together, and doing joint innovation. Since India is pushing hard for more self-reliance in defence through big plans like ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’, the UK has a good chance to become a trusted partner in this journey.
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The report points out that India’s defence and aerospace sector is growing fast and has many chances for the UK to join in. But to be successful, UK businesses must be open to understanding how India’s defence system works. The report gives suggestions to help them with that. It also says that the UK government should help more by making policies that support joint work in defence and help both sides grow together in this field.
Suggestions for Stronger Ties
The UKIBC report goes beyond company-level advice and looks at how both UK and Indian governments can help too. It suggests stronger government ties, better communication, and more industry interaction. It also pushes for co-developing and co-producing defence items, sharing technology, and boosting joint defence research.
For the UK firms the report advised them to set up research and manufacturing in India, building local supply chains, and forming joint ventures with Indian companies. It highlights UK strengths in AI, cyber tech, and aerospace as a good match for India’s needs.
It also suggests that creating a UK-India defence MSME hub and working with Indian states like Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka for better support and infrastructure.
Kishore Jayaraman, who is the India Chair of the UK-India Business Council, shared his thoughts on the matter. He said, “India’s ambition to become a leading defence manufacturing and innovation hub presents a timely and strategic opportunity for the UK. As trusted, like-minded partners with shared values and a strong history of cooperation, the UK and India are uniquely placed to co-create the next generation of defence and aerospace technologies” reported ANI.
He also added, “Through this report, UKIBC aims to provide both strategic insight and practical guidance for UK firms seeking to navigate India’s evolving defence ecosystem. The message is clear — those who invest in long-term partnerships, local capability, and joint innovation will be best placed to succeed”
