India, UK to collaborate in defence R&D, science and technology

India and United Kingdom will pursue collaborative defence R&D with UK's Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL) and its Indian counterpart the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) facilitating research and technology development capabilities through joint projects, collaborative research and industry and academia participation.

The two countries signed a letter of arrangement towards this in London today. The two countries have agreed to collaborate in advanced scientific research.

Dr V K Saraswat, scientific adviser to the defence minister, secretary defence R&D and director general of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Sir Mark Welland, chief scientific adviser to the ministry of defence, UK, signed the LOA in London today.

Saraswat is currently on a visit to the UK on the invitation UK's ministry of defence.

The signing of the LOA marks an important milestone in technical collaboration between the two countries and a number of projects are being planned to commence in coming months, an official release said.

"I have seen the exceptional dedication, expertise and skill in DRDO personnel and know that UK can look forward to a productive and valuable cooperation with our great allies in India for many years to come," Sir Mark Welland said. "India and UK have a strong history of mutual cooperation and have thriving science and engineering communities. India is one of the fastest growing economies in the world and is a powerhouse of technology," he added.

"Indian and British defence scientists will be working together on technologies to face their country's defence and security challenges, thanks to the new agreement," Dr Saraswat said.