Jai Siya Ram
The statement “INDIA TO TRAIN UK’s AIR FORCE” refers to a recently announced agreement between the two nations focusing on military training collaboration.
Here are the full details of this specific announcement, which was made following talks between the Prime Ministers of India and the UK in October 2025:
Key Announcement Details
- The Agreement: The two Prime Ministers welcomed progress on an arrangement where Indian Air Force (IAF) Qualified Flying Instructors (QFIs) will be integrated as trainers within the UK’s Royal Air Force (RAF).
- The Role: Senior, experienced flying instructors from the Indian Air Force will be deputed to serve as trainers in RAF institutions. This arrangement formalizes and expands cooperation in military education and training.
- Context: This is a component of a wider agreement on military training and capacity building and is a tangible step toward expanding bilateral exchanges between the armed forces of both countries. It is also part of the larger India-UK Vision 2035 for enhanced strategic partnership.
Broader Defence and Security Cooperation
The training arrangement is one part of a deepening defense relationship, which also includes:
- Defence Co-production: Both nations are focusing on moving towards defence co-production, connecting the industries of both countries to enhance India’s air defence capabilities and support the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India) initiative.
- Joint Exercises: The two countries regularly expand and enhance joint military exercises, such as the recent Exercise Konkan, which, for the first time, involved the Carrier Strike Groups of both the Indian Navy (INS Vikrant) and the Royal Navy (HMS Prince of Wales).
- Naval Collaboration: They also expressed an intent to finalize an Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) on cooperation in developing maritime electric propulsion systems for Indian Naval platforms.
- Maritime Security: Both nations are committed to enhancing maritime security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, including the establishment of a Regional Maritime Security Centre of Excellence (RMSCE).
In essence, the move to place Indian QFIs in the RAF training system highlights the high regard for the expertise of the Indian Air Force and marks a significant step-up in defense and strategic collaboration.