Latest news with #defencecooperation
South China Morning Post
11 hours ago
- Politics
- South China Morning Post
UK's F-35B plane lands in India, sparking talk of link to Israel-Iran conflict
The emergency landing of a British F-35B stealth fighter in southern India has turned public attention to the deepening defence cooperation between London and New Delhi, with the incident interpreted as a symbol of their growing strategic alignment. Valued at over US$100 million, the hi-tech aircraft was diverted to the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport in Kerala last Saturday following a suspected hydraulic system failure during a routine flight over international waters. The F-35B earlier took off from the Royal Navy's flagship aircraft carrier, HMS Prince of Wales, according to several Indian media reports. The Indian air force coordinated with local air traffic controllers to facilitate an unscheduled landing for the aircraft. Technicians were airlifted by the Royal Navy to carry out repairs on the F-35B, the reports added. Although Thiruvananthapuram has been designated as a diversion airfield for British naval aircraft operating in the region before the incident, the sight of one of the world's most advanced warplanes landing unexpectedly on Indian soil has sparked public speculation. The timing of the incident against the background of worsening tensions in the Middle East has prompted questions of whether it signalled broader defence ties between the UK and India or otherwise. The incident should be seen as a reflection of deepening security cooperation between both countries, rather than a response to the Middle East conflicts, according to analysts.
Times of Oman
2 days ago
- Business
- Times of Oman
India, Croatia to speed up bilateral ties three times, to formulate Defence Cooperation Plan: PM Modi
Zagreb: Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Wednesday that India and Croatia will promote cooperation in many areas including pharma, agriculture, information technology and a Defence Cooperation Plan will be made for long-term cooperation in the defence sector. In a joint press statement with Croatia PM Andrej Plenkovic after their delegation-level talks, PM Modi said the two countries have emphasised joint research and collaboration between their academic institutions and India will share its space experience with Croatia. PM Modi reached Croatia earlier in the day in the last leg of his three-nation visit. "We have decided to speed up our bilateral relations three times in our third term. A Defence Cooperation Plan will be made for long-term cooperation in the defence sector, which will focus on training and military exchange as well as defence industry. There are many areas where our economies can complement each other. These areas have been identified," he said. "We have decided to increase cooperation in many areas to increase bilateral trade and create a reliable supply chain. We will promote cooperation in many important areas like pharma, agriculture, information technology, clean technology, digital technology, renewable energy," he added. The Prime Minister said there are also ample opportunities for Croatian companies in the port modernisation, coastal zone development and multi-modal connectivity being carried out under India's Sagarmala Project. "We have emphasised joint research and collaboration between our academic institutions and centres. India will share its space experience with Croatia. Our centuries-old cultural relations are the root of mutual affection and goodwill... Today, we have decided to give more strength to our cultural and people-to-people relations. The duration of the MoU of Hindi Chair in Zagreb University has been extended till 2030. A cultural exchange program has been prepared for the next five years. The mobility agreement will be completed soon to facilitate the movement of people," he said. PM Modi expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Croatian Prime Minister and the Croatian government for the enthusiasm, warmth and affection with which he has been welcomed. "This is the first visit of any Indian Prime Minister to Croatia, and I have had the good fortune of it. India and Croatia are connected by common values like democracy, rule of law, pluralism and quality. It is a happy coincidence that last year the people of India have given me and the people of Croatia have given the opportunity to Croatian Prime Minister, Andrej Plenkovic to serve for the third consecutive time," he said.
Reuters
3 days ago
- Business
- Reuters
Australia to commence negotiations on security, defence with EU
SYDNEY, June 18 (Reuters) - Australia Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Wednesday the country would commence negotiations on a security and defence partnership with the European Union. "We see this as an important framework for our current and future cooperation in areas like defence industry, cyber and counter-terrorism," Albanese told a news conference in Kananaskis where he is attending the G7 summit. Ministers from both sides will progress the talks in the coming weeks, Albanese said, adding he expected discussions to be concluded "pretty quickly".
Times of Oman
05-06-2025
- Politics
- Times of Oman
Indian PM Modi meets Australian Dy PM Marles; lauds 5 years of Strategic Partnership
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles on Wednesday in the national capital, holding productive discussions to deepen the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership on its fifth anniversary. The leaders during the discussion shared their visions for a stable, secure, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region and highlighted the strengthening of bilateral ties between the two nations, focused on enhancing defence and strategic cooperation amidst regional security challenges. "Glad to meet Deputy Prime Minister of Australia Richard Marles. Had a productive discussion on deepening the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which marks its fifth anniversary today. Our shared vision for a stable, secure, and prosperous Indo-Pacific continues to guide our collaboration," PM Modi stated in a post on X. Earlier today, the Australian Deputy Prime Minister laid a wreath at the National War Memorial here, underscoring the tribute to India's fallen heroes. "Australian Deputy Prime Minister & Minister for Defence Mr Richard Marles visited the National War Memorial in New Delhi and laid a wreath in solemn tribute to India's fallen heroes. The gesture underscores the shared respect, sacrifice, and growing defence cooperation between India and Australia," the Ministry of Defence stated on X. Marles arrived in Delhi late on Tuesday night as part of his high-level meetings in the Maldives, Sri Lanka, Indonesia and India from June 2-5, as per the Australian Defence Government release. The Deputy Prime Minister will meet leaders and counterparts in South and Southeast Asia as part of the Government's commitment to deepening diplomatic and defence partnerships in the Indo-Pacific. He also met Defence Minister Rajnath Singh earlier today, discussed regional and global security issues, and deepened Defence Cooperation between the two countries. During the meeting, the Defence Minister reaffirmed India's and Australia's strong defence partnership and commitment to combating terrorism and acknowledged the growing strategic ties between the two nations and thanked Australia for its support following the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam.
Times of Oman
04-06-2025
- General
- Times of Oman
Australian Defence Minister Marles makes first 'port of call' at 'chai' stall in Delhi
New Delhi: Tapping into a typical Indian habit of starting one's day with tea, Australia's Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister for Defence, Richard Marles, on Wednesday, went for an early morning walk and had a cup of tea. "A morning run at Nehru Park followed by chai at Malcha Marg- an active start to the Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles MP's day in Delhi. Look forward to a busy but productive day ahead," Australia's High Commissioner to India, Philip Green, said. > Richard Marles said he went out for a run at Nehru Park and then had tea at Malcha Marg. "First port of call in India is a run and a chai from the local market!" Marles said in a post on X. Marles arrived in Delhi late on Tuesday night. Green said in a post on X, "Welcome to India, Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles. 5 years ago tomorrow, Australia and India signed our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Your visit to India so early in your second term reflects the strength & continuity of our enduring relationship." Rajnath Singh will meet Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles in New Delhi on Wednesday, an official statement said. Both leaders will discuss regional and global security issues and the deepening of defence cooperation ties. In a post on X, the Ministry of Defence stated, "Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh will meet Australian Deputy Prime Minister & Defence Minister Richard Marles MP in New Delhi today, to discuss regional and global security issues and deepen Defence Cooperation. Defence and security are key pillars of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, with both nations committed to peace, stability, and a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific." Marles is travelling to the Maldives, Sri Lanka, India and Indonesia from June 2-5 for high-level meetings, as per the Australian Defence Government release.
