Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, in reference to the Defence Command Paper published on 22 March 2021, how his Department intends to expand defence industrial relationships with India.

As set out in the Command Paper, the UK is committed to increasing our bilateral industrial co-operation with India as part of our 'tilt' to the Indo Pacific. The UK and India have regular discussions across a variety of areas, including our defence industrial relationship. These discussions support India's aspiration to develop their capabilities, in line with Prime Minister Modi's self-reliance ambitions. The hon. Member will be aware of the Prime Minister's upcoming visit to India and should be assured that the Ministry of Defence and the Government of India will work closely to realise the aspiration set out in the Command Paper.