India vital for free, open, inclusive and prosperous Indo-Pacific sector: British Foreign Minister Liz Truss

Mumbai: – British aircraft carrier ‘HMS Queen Elizabeth’ has reached the port of Mumbai, with its fleet of destroyers. The joint exercise between the Indian and British defence forces will be held soon and will be the largest military exercise between the two countries. The arrival of British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss, Chief of Defence Staff General Sir Nicholas Carter and Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Radakin in India is a testament to the growing strategic partnership between the two countries. The British Foreign Minister said, ‘India is vital for a free, open, inclusive and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.’

Queen Elizabeth, in the British Navy, is considered to be the most advanced aircraft carrier. The warship was patrolling the South China Sea with its fleet. Queen Elizabeth also held war exercises with the United States, Japan and Australia. It is no secret that all this was to issue a stern warning to China. Along with the South China Sea region, China’s hegemonic actions in the Indo-Pacific have raised concerns among major countries worldwide. This includes the United Kingdom, which is also wary of threats to its interests from China.

Given India’s position and strength in the Indo-Pacific region, Britain has strategically decided to strengthen cooperation with India on all fronts. ‘Security of maritime areas and trade routes passing through them is essential. This requires tough decision making and an exhibition of strength. The British naval contingent arriving at the port of Mumbai portrays a practical change in the policy of the United Kingdom for the Indo-Pacific region. British Foreign Minister Liz Truss said that the United Kingdom fulfils its international responsibility by establishing close cooperation with like-minded countries like India, stressing the importance of collaboration with India.

The British Foreign Minister claimed ‘India is critical for a free, open, inclusive and prosperous Indo-Pacific region. That is why, along with India, which is experiencing rapid economic growth, the United Kingdom is building a network of countries, from around the world, that promote independence.’ Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Liz Truss will pay a courtesy visit to the Taj Mahal Hotel and pay tributes to the victims of the Mumbai terror attacks. The United Kingdom is keen to co-operate with India in technology and trade and the British Foreign Minister had said earlier in the day that she would hold talks with Indian leaders.

Meanwhile, it is believed that India’s cooperation with the United Kingdom will further strengthen the QUAD, an alliance formed by India, the United States, Japan and Australia. It was claimed that by forming this group called D-10, Britain would pose a new challenge to dictatorial countries like China. While China was preparing to gain complete dominance over Hong Kong, the United Kingdom had warned China against it. But China ignored it and took aggressive steps to tighten its grip on Hongkong. The United Kingdom then began a spate of bold decisions against China.