Article Posted on : - Feb 13, 2017

LONDON (PTI): Britain's Defence Minister Harriett Baldwin will lead a delegation of top 20 companies to India, as the two countries seek to build ties through a close industrial, military and economic partnership.

Baldwin and senior executives of the British firms will attend the 'Aero India 2017' exhibition held at the Air Force Station Yelahanka in Bengaluru from Tuesday.

Showcasing some of the most innovative technology in the defence, aviation and security sections, these cutting-edge businesses will be forging long-lasting industrial partnerships and joint ventures with Indian companies, the UK government said on Friday.

"The UK and India have much to offer one another in defence: from manufacturing collaboration and simplified export controls, to military cooperation, training and research partnerships. As Britain steps up globally, we will work together with India to build knowledge, security and prosperity through a close industrial, military and economic partnership," Baldwin said.

Her visit builds on the Defence and International Security Partnership agreed between India and the UK in November 2015.

"The UK has a significant range of world class products across the air, land, maritime and security sectors and we are encouraging UK and Indian companies to develop and sustain long term industrial partnerships, to meet our future requirements and to launch new products into the global marketplace," said Sophie Lane, Regional Director for India in the Department of International Trade's Defence and Security Organisation.

The UK claims to be the top destination in Europe for inward investment, second globally to the US.