The defence firms meet key decision-makers and potential partners in the crucial sector.
Seeking to form a strong partnership with Indian defence industry, a UK trade mission comprising over 20 defence firms -- the largest since the David Cameron government assumed power -- will undertake a 5-day visit to India from Monday to meet key decision-makers and potential partners in the crucial sector.
The high-profile delegation's visit comes days after UK-backed Eurofighter Typhoon lost out to French firm Dassault Rafale in bagging the 126 fighter jet deal worth $10 billion from India.
The mission is organised by the UK's Trade and Investment Defence and Security Organisation (UKTI DSO) in cooperation with UK trade association Aerospace Defence Security (ADS).
It will be led by Parliamentary Undersecretary of State Gerald Howarth, MP, who is also UK's Minister for International Security Strategy.
The mission has the full support of the Indian Ministry of Defence, a statement here said.
The trade mission will visit three Indian cities, each with a particular focus: Delhi for the overarching Indian government perspective; Bangalore for aerospace, electronics and land systems; and Mumbai for maritime systems.
Each hub will provide an opportunity for real business to business interaction identifying opportunities and potential partnerships as well as providing UK companies a better understanding of how to do business in India. A range of private sector and government speakers will provide an overview of the defence market place and environment in India.
Face-to-face discussions between UK missioners and Indian defence companies will be facilitated in each hub by the Indian defence trade associations Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) and the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM).
Gerald Howarth said "I am proud and excited to be leading this Defence Trade Mission. This mission is not just simply about securing defence exports for the UK companies—it is about forming long-lived partnerships with Indian companies—both public and private—as India emerges as a leading nation in the world and pursues its policy of self reliance and indigenisation of the defence market."
UK companies have a great deal to offer—cutting edge technology, modern work practices and an open approach to collaboration and innovation, he said.
"We also have a long, deep and common cultural history which I believe provides a superb platform for really working together and forging a strong defence as well as business alliances," the minister said.
"This defence trade mission to India is historic. Over 20 major UK defence companies are going to India this week to both learn about how to do business in India but also seek opportunities to work with Indian businesses and the Ministry of Defence."
This is the largest UK defence trade mission since this government came into power in may 2010 and reinforces the importance the UK government places on relationship with India, he said.
Richard Paniguian, Head of UKTI DSO said: "India is a truly exciting defence and security market for UK companies to be in. It is an emerging global power of immense importance.
"It is also at a real point of evolution in its defence industry as it looks to turn around from importing some 70% of its defence equipment to designing, developing, manufacturing and supporting some 70 per cent indigenously."
"I want UK companies to be part of that journey, forming strong partnerships with the Indian defence industry along the way. There is an immense breadth of defence and security opportunities in the Indian market, as the one billion pounds of business done here by UK defence companies in 2010 demonstrates."
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