India & the UK have a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership which was established in 2021 through the India-UK Roadmap 2030
UK National Security Advisor Tim Barrow held crucial discussions with his Indian counterpart Ajit Doval during a two-day visit aimed at fortifying the collaborative relationship between the two nations. The talks, held in New Delhi on Thursday (May 9, 2024) under the UK-India Strategic Dialogue, centred on the Technology and Security Initiative, a bilateral framework designed to enhance cooperation in critical and emerging technologies.
 
NSA Barrow, who co-chaired the UK-India Strategic Dialogue along with NSA Doval, also met External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar, marking a crucial step in further solidifying ties between the two nations.
 
“Good to meet UK NSA Tim Barrow today in Delhi. Discussed a range of regional and global issues of importance. Also reviewed the progress in our bilateral ties,” EAM Jaishankar posted on social media platform X, formerly Twitter.
 
During their meeting, the two NSAs had extensive discussions covering all security issues. Briefing the media on Thursday, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “The meeting focused around technology and security initiative, which will be a major bilateral mechanism to strengthen cooperation in critical and emerging technologies. So, that is an important piece of discussion, an important piece of emerging collaboration between India and the UK”.
 
According to the MEA Spokesperson, they also discussed bilateral issues, in addition to regional issues and global matters of mutual interest. “This visit will give a major boost to the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership that we have with the United Kingdom,” he added.
 
UK NSA Barrow’s visit is expected to bolster the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and the UK, which was established in 2021 through the India-UK Roadmap 2030. This comprehensive framework aims to guide both nations' cooperation over the next decade.
 
During his visit, a delegation from UK’s Royal College of Defence Studies (RCDS) was also in India, starting their tour by laying a wreath at the war memorial in New Delhi. The 21-member group, including top military officers from the UK, will travel across India as part of their strategic study tour. The RCDS is recognized for its role in developing high-level strategic thinkers capable of navigating complex international security landscapes.
 
As Barrow prepares to pass the torch to his successor, General Gwyn Jenkins, the visit laid the groundwork for continued collaboration under new leadership. Jenkins, currently the Vice-Chief of the Defence Staff, will assume the role of National Security Advisor this summer and is expected to further build on Barrow's progress.
 
The visit marked another significant step in fortifying the Indo-UK relationship. Both sides recognize the immense potential in their shared goals and are determined to continue expanding the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership while fostering new areas of cooperation. As the global landscape continues to shift, technology and security will remain at the forefront of their collaborative agenda.