What happened
On October 9, 2025, the United Kingdom signed a £350 million defence deal with India to supply air defence missiles and launchers, while supporting over 700 jobs in Northern Ireland. The contract includes UK-manufactured Lightweight Multirole Missiles (LMM) built in Belfast, the same systems currently produced for Ukraine. Additionally, both countries signed an Implementing Arrangement worth £250 million to advance cooperation on electric-powered engines for naval ships. The agreements coincide with Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s visit to India and ongoing Exercise Konkan 2025 in the Western Indian Ocean.
Why it matters to India
The deal strengthens India’s strategic partnership with the UK and reinforces defence and industrial collaboration. Coupled with joint maritime exercises involving the UK Carrier Strike Group, led by HMS Prince of Wales, and India’s Carrier Strike Group, led by INS Vikrant, the agreements highlight India’s growing capabilities in defence technology and its pivotal role in regional security and Indo-Pacific stability.