India-UK ties, Pg1.

Key Highlights:

• Keir Starmer's first official visit to India included a delegation of 126 business, academic, and cultural leaders.
• India and the UK agreed to proceed with the supply of Lightweight Multiple Missile (LMM) systems via a government-to-government route.
• Indian Air Force flying instructors will train at the UK's Royal Air Force under a new military training cooperation agreement.
• Nine UK universities will open campuses in India, including the inaugurated Southampton University campus in Gurugram.
• The India-UK Connectivity and Innovation Centre will be established with at least £24 million in joint funding.
• Both countries condemned the April 2025 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir.

Detailed Insights:

• Starmer's visit followed Modi's trip to the UK in July, where the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) was signed.
• Discussions included the Indo-Pacific, peace in West Asia, the Ukraine conflict, and concerns about pro-Khalistan separatists.
• The leaders agreed to strengthen maritime security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.
• The University Grants Commission has issued Letters of Intent (LoI) for branch campuses of several UK universities in India.
• The Technology Security Initiative (TSI) will deepen cooperation in areas like AI, advanced communication, and defence technologies.
• A joint hub will focus on developing AI native network for 6G, non-terrestrial networks, and cyber security for telecom.
• A joint investment in the climate tech start-up fund was also announced.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Atmanirbhar Bharat: A vision of self-reliant India, reducing dependence on foreign countries.
• GIFT City: A planned business district in Gujarat, India, offering a competitive regulatory and tax environment.
• FATF: The Financial Action Task Force, an inter-governmental body combating money laundering and terrorist financing.