5.2.3. Defence Ties

♤ Cooperation in defence sector is another important pillar of bilateral cooperation. At all the three services level, joint exercises and wide ranging exchanges between the three services are conducted regularly.

♤ The last Army Joint Exercise ‘Ajeya Warrior’ was held in Bikaner from 1-14 December, 2017.

♤ The Indian Air force participated in the Exercise ‘Indradhanush-IV’ in the UK from 21 July –

1 August, 2015.

♤ The Joint Navy Exercise ‘Konkan 2017’ was held in May 2017 at Plymouth in the UK that witnessed participation by INS Tarkash.

♤ During Prime Minister’s visit to UK in November 2015, the two countries agreed to elevate their Defence relationship by establishing capability partnerships in strategic areas.

♤ The institutionalised dialogue to discuss defence cooperation viz. Defence Consultative Group Meeting, is held annually at Defence Secretary level. The 18th DCG meeting was held on 9-10 October 2017 in London.

♤ Cooperation in defence intelligence commenced with the visit of Director General, Defence Intelligence Agency and interactions with his counterpart in London on 3-5 December 2017.