UK and India strengthen partnership in technology
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Source: The post UK and India strengthen partnership in technology has been created, based on the article “How UK and India can collaborate for a Viksit Bharat” published in “Indian Express” on 30th January 2025

UK and India strengthen partnership in technology

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2-International Relations-Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.

Context: The article discusses the strong technology collaboration between the UK and India, highlighting their shared progress in sectors like fintech, green innovation, and advanced manufacturing. It emphasizes the potential of partnerships, joint ventures, and skilled workforce development to achieve mutual growth and global impact.

For detailed information on India-UK Relations read this article here

How is the UK-India partnership growing?

  1. Technology Collaboration
  • Many UK industries rely on technology developed in Indian Global Capability Centres (GCCs).
  • Vaccine development during the pandemic showed the impact of UK-India technology collaboration.
  • The UK-India Technology Security Initiative boosts cooperation in emerging and critical technologies.
  • UK fintech firms can expand in India by sharing regulatory best practices.
  1. Economic Ties
  • The UK was third globally in venture capital investment in technology in 2024.
  • London has more start-ups than the rest of Europe combined.
  • The UKIBC aerospace and defence group, representing $60 billion in revenue, is expanding partnerships in India.
  1. Green Energy Goals
  • The Sunrise Project links top UK and Indian universities to develop renewable energy solutions.
  • The City of London can finance India’s energy transition.
  • Expanding priority-sector lending to EVs and renewable energy can accelerate India’s sustainability goals.

For detailed information on The growing partnership between India and the U.K. read this article here

How can UK-India defence and manufacturing ties improve?

  1. Co-Development of Technology: UK and Indian firms are already collaborating on advanced manufacturing and defence technology. India has scale and demand, while UK firms benefit from India’s cost-effective manufacturing.
  2. Aerospace and Defence Group: The UKIBC aerospace and defence group, representing 22 UK firms with $60 billion in global revenue, is eager to expand partnerships with India.
  3. Policy Reforms in India: The UKIBC suggests that refinements in India’s defence acquisition procedure can encourage foreign firms to enter the Indian market.
  4. Graduated Approach to Indigenous Content: A more flexible approach to indigenous content requirements can attract more foreign investment in India’s defence sector.
  5. Higher FDI Participation: Revisiting FDI thresholds can allow more UK firms to join India’s strategic defence programmes.
  6. Start-Up Collaboration: The UK can support its high-growth defence start-ups by creating an accelerator programme to enter India’s defence technology ecosystem.

What can be done for better the UK-India relationship?

  1. Expand Technology Collaboration: Support UK-India Technology Security Initiative to develop AI, fintech, and defence technology. UKIBC represents 22 UK firms with $60 billion in revenue.
  2. Increase Investment in Start-ups: Create a G2G-backed investment fund for emerging technologies. A start-up accelerator can help UK firms enter India’s market.
  3. Develop Skilled Workforce: Encourage British students to study AI in India. Mid-size UK firms should explore India’s Global Capability Centres (GCCs).
  4. Improve Defence Ties: Adjust India’s FDI rules to attract UK firms into strategic defence programs.

What is the future of the UK-India relationship?

The UK-India partnership is strong and growing. 2024 was a good year, and 2025 will be better. More businesses will see India as a strategic partner. The article calls for bold ideas and greater collaboration to unlock the full potential of the partnership.

Question for practice:

Examine how the UK-India partnership is evolving in technology, economic ties, green energy, and defence collaboration.


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