NEW DELHI: Britain on Thursday announced a £350 million ($468 million) deal to supply the Indian army with UK-manufactured lightweight missiles, part of a strategic and defence partnership between the two countries.
The announcement came during British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s first visit to India since taking office, where he met his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi in Mumbai.
The two leaders hailed growing defence and trade ties, describing their relationship as one built on “trust, innovation and shared ambition.”
Missile deal
The British government said in a statement that the new deal covers Lightweight Multirole Missiles (LMMs), produced by Thales in Northern Ireland. The weapons, also used by Ukraine, are designed for both air and ground targets.
According to the statement, the deal will secure 700 jobs at the Thales factory in Belfast and “paves the way for a broader complex weapons partnership between the UK and India,” currently under negotiation.
Starmer said the agreement underscored the UK’s commitment to expanding defence exports while strengthening global alliances.
“This deal shows the strength of Britain’s defence sector and the value of our partnerships across the world,” he said.
The two countries also announced progress on electric-powered naval engines, signing the next phase of a partnership worth an initial £250 million.
The UK Ministry of Defence said the tie-up would help both nations “develop next-generation clean propulsion systems for the future of maritime operations.”
Modi hails ‘synergy’ between India and UK
PM Modi praised Starmer’s visit as a reflection of “new energy and a broad vision” in bilateral ties.
“India’s dynamism and the UK’s expertise together create a unique synergy,” Modi said in Hindi after talks in Mumbai. “Our partnership is built on trust and a shared commitment to build a brighter future for the people of both nations.”
An Indian foreign ministry statement said both sides agreed to establish an India–UK Connectivity and Innovation Centre, a Joint Centre for Artificial Intelligence, and a Critical Minerals Industry Guild to strengthen supply chains and promote green technologies.
Defence training
While the two sides emphasised cooperation, they also acknowledged differences. Asked about India’s close ties with Russia, Starmer told reporters he respected New Delhi’s “strategic independence” but noted that the UK’s position on Ukraine remained unchanged.
Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander, part of Starmer’s delegation, said the issue “has not prevented the UK from expanding trade and defence ties with India.”
Modi, meanwhile, announced that flying instructors from the Indian Air Force will serve as trainers with the Royal Air Force under a new military cooperation agreement.
India, traditionally a major buyer of Russian arms, has diversified its procurement in recent decades toward France, Israel and the United States — and now increasingly the United Kingdom.
