New Delhi: India and the UK have finalised a framework agreement to collaborate on the design and production of electric propulsion systems for future warships, marking a significant step in strengthening strategic cooperation.
The agreement, formalised through a Statement of Intent (SoI), was signed by the defence ministries of both nations in Portsmouth on Thursday. According to an Indian defence ministry release, the SoI outlines a framework for co-designing, co-creating, and co-producing electric propulsion capabilities for advanced naval ships.
“The landing platform docks, planned to be constructed at an Indian shipyard, are expected to feature a full electric propulsion system,” the statement said.
The signing took place during the third Joint Working Group meeting on electric propulsion capability partnership. It underscores a shared commitment to developing indigenous, cutting-edge technologies.
From the Indian side, the SoI was signed by Joint Secretary (Naval Systems) Rajeev Prakash, while Rear Admiral Steve McCarthy, Director of Ships Operations and Capability Integration at the UK’s defence ministry, represented Britain.
The agreement comes shortly after the visit of British Minister for Indo-Pacific Catherine West to India, further highlighting deepening bilateral ties in the defence sector.
