Britain has signed a deal to supply India with £350 million ($468 million) worth of lightweight missiles, strengthening defence cooperation between the two nations. The announcement was made on Thursday as British Prime Minister Keir Starmer met his Indian counterpart, Narendra Modi, in Mumbai.
The deal to supply India includes the delivery of Lightweight Multirole Missiles manufactured by Thales in Northern Ireland. According to the UK government, the contract will help secure 700 jobs at the Thales factory, which currently produces similar weapons for Ukraine. Officials said the agreement marks an important step toward a broader weapons partnership between the two countries.
“The deal paves the way for a wider complex weapons partnership between the UK and India, now under negotiation,” the statement added.
Starmer, during his visit, praised the growing economic and defence ties between the UK and India. He highlighted the importance of building long-term partnerships that support both national security and industrial growth. The leaders also celebrated progress made under their new trade agreement, which aims to reduce tariffs and open markets for goods such as whisky, cars, and textiles.
In addition to the missile contract, the two governments reached another milestone on Thursday with a new £250 million initiative to develop electric-powered engines for naval ships. Both sides said the collaboration reflects their shared commitment to advancing defence technology and green innovation.
The deal to supply India comes amid Britain’s broader push to expand its global defence exports. Starmer has pledged to boost defence spending and strengthen manufacturing, aligning with NATO targets. Recent UK contracts, such as a $13.5 billion deal with Norway, underline this export-focused strategy.
The partnership between the UK and India is expected to further deepen in the coming months as both sides explore new areas of defence and trade cooperation.
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