In a tough world, the beacon of U.K.-India strategic ties
Source: The Hindu
For Prelims: U.K-India relations and Historical ties
For Mains: General Studies II-U.K.-India strategic ties, How to protect commercial shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
Highlights of the Article
Operation Prosperity Guardian
U.K- India Strategic ties
Types of Partnership between U.K and India
U.K.-India defence partnership
Ukraine Conflict
Context:
Outward facing, mercantile and modern societies, our nations — the United Kingdom and India — have much in common. Although separated by thousands of miles, we are inherently connected by the ocean, the world’s great global commons. Trade in food and goods underwrites our mutual prosperity, supporting the lives and livelihoods of so many. Global trade is predominantly a maritime activity, and this remains a fundamental truth in the Information Age too. But, today, our reliance on the maritime is only increasing, with the recognition that the data supporting online banking and capital flows also moves via underwater cables.
UPSC EXAM NOTES ANALYSIS
1.U.K.-India strategic ties
United Kingdom and India have historically shared strong diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties. Both countries have a shared history, with India being a former British colony. Over the years, the relationship has evolved, and the two nations have worked to strengthen their strategic partnership.
Here are some key aspects of the U.K.-India strategic ties:
- Economic collaboration is a crucial aspect of the bilateral relationship. Trade and investment between the two countries have been significant, and efforts have been made to enhance these ties further. Both countries have expressed interest in exploring new trade agreements and increasing bilateral trade
- The U.K. and India collaborate on various defense and security issues. This includes joint military exercises, defense technology transfers, and intelligence sharing. Counter-terrorism efforts and regional security are common areas of interest for both nations.
- Educational and research ties are strong, with numerous academic collaborations and student exchanges between universities in the U.K. and India. This promotes cultural understanding and strengthens people-to-people connections
- The sizable Indian diaspora in the U.K. and the British Indian community contribute significantly to the relationship between the two countries. The diaspora serves as a bridge, fostering cultural understanding and contributing to economic and social ties
- The U.K. and India often collaborate on global challenges and international forums. Whether it's participating in multilateral organizations like the United Nations or addressing global health issues, the two nations coordinate their efforts on various fronts
2.Operation Prosperity Guardian
- The Red Sea and Gulf of Aden face challenges, such as instability, conflict, and aggressive actions, which impact individuals and international interests.
- These disruptions not only affect those navigating these waters but also have global consequences, influencing the movement of essential goods and food crucial for life and livelihoods.
- In response to these issues, the United Kingdom, the United States, and other partners initiated Operation Prosperity Guardian in December 2023. The operation aims to safeguard commercial shipping in the region.
- The indiscriminate attacks by the Houthi group pose a threat to the lives of innocent seafarers striving to make a living at sea.
- These actions jeopardize the stability of vital maritime trade routes supplying food and aid to Yemen and supporting global economies. Collaboration with the Indian Navy is underway to address these challenges to the unrestricted flow of global trade.
- The Houthi's use of violence to achieve their goals aligns with Russia's unlawful war in Ukraine.
- It is crucial for the United Kingdom, India, and the global community to share a common interest in preventing such wanton violence and disregard for international law from becoming normalized
3.The Ukraine conflict Factor
- This week commemorates the two-year anniversary of the extensive invasion of Ukraine, initiated in 2014 with the annexation of Crimea.
- In 2022, Russia's 'special military operation' aimed to encircle Kyiv within three days, overthrow the government in a week, and subdue most of the country within a month. However, Russia has fallen short in all these objectives.
- Throughout the past two years, Ukraine has demonstrated resilience as a sovereign and independent nation, standing as a defender of democracy and freedom.
- Its armed forces have recaptured 50% of the territory unlawfully seized by Russia since February 2022.
- Employing innovative tactics, they have engaged the Black Sea Fleet, damaging or destroying numerous ships and pushing the Russian Navy eastward. This strategic shift has reopened maritime corridors, facilitating the crucial flow of grain exports, vital for the Ukrainian economy and global food security.
- The United Kingdom has consistently supported Ukraine, committing £2.5 billion in military aid for 2024-25, bringing the total military, humanitarian, and financial assistance to nearly £12 billion since 2022. The U.K. pledges unwavering support until Ukraine prevails.
- In an era of heightened instability and uncertainty, the imperative to invest in strategic relationships is more apparent than ever. The U.K. and India's collaborative efforts are encouraging against this backdrop.
- A notable shift in the global economic center of gravity is underway, with the Indo-Asia-Pacific set to dominate by 2050.
- Recognizing the intrinsic connection between the U.K.'s national prosperity and international markets, the establishment of the U.K.'s tilt to the Indo-Asia-Pacific as a permanent policy pillar in 2023 is a positive development.
- The potential for global prosperity in the Indo-Asia-Pacific cannot be underestimated, and its significance, not only for the United Kingdom but for the world, is more evident than ever
4.Stronger defence ties
- The considerable advancement in the U.K.-India defense partnership has been warmly received, and there is a notable increase in the interaction levels between British and Indian forces, surpassing those of many previous years.
- Chief of the Indian Navy. Since the inaugural deployment of our Carrier Strike Group in 2021, there has been a record number of visits by U.K. ships, and India has demonstrated excellent hospitality and support.
- Following this, our Littoral Strike Group is set to enter the Indo-Asia Pacific later this year for training, exercises, and operations with our partners.
- The Carrier Strike Group is scheduled for redeployment to the region in 2025, and we are actively exploring opportunities to enhance our joint U.K. and Indian operational capabilities during this period.
- Our defense industrial partnership is also flourishing, covering areas such as electric warship propulsion, sophisticated weaponry, and jet engines. Our collective efforts contribute to the exchange of understanding, knowledge, and expertise. Additionally, our longstanding military education ties, spanning 75 years, are slated for further enhancement this year.
- Officers from all three services of the Indian Armed Forces will be joining British service academies as instructors, sharing their experiences with future military leaders and gaining valuable insights to bring back to India, collectively strengthening our capabilities
5. Conclusion
History teaches us that strategies of isolationism or coercion have rarely produced strong coalitions. Rather, it is our friends, partners and allies who will be our source of support and strength against the challenges that we face, and who will uphold the values that we champion. The rules-based International Order has kept the peace for decades and it is incumbent on us, as like-minded proponents of peace and prosperity, to continue to advocate for it. In this ever more unstable world, the U.K. is fortunate to have India as a good friend
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