Future Collaboration between India and the UK: Focus on Sustainable Agriculture, University Expansion in India, Artificial Intelligence, Technology, Trade, and More
In July 2025, the Prime Ministers of India and the United Kingdom endorsed the India-UK Vision 2035, a comprehensive strategic roadmap aimed at deepening and broadening bilateral partnerships across multiple sectors. This ambitious plan seeks to deliver transformative opportunities and tangible benefits by 2035.
Sectors Covered and Ambitious Targets
Trade and Economic Cooperation
The partnership is anchored by the newly signed India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). The aim is to raise UK exports to India by 60% by 2040, boosting bilateral trade and investment significantly. Job creation in both countries through enhanced trade and business collaboration is also a key objective. The Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) is planned to further boost investment flows. A Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO) will oversee implementation.
Technology and Innovation
The focus is on next-generation technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), quantum computing, telecom, and critical minerals. A Technology Security Initiative promotes cooperation in these strategic technology domains.
Defence
A 10-year defence industrial roadmap focusing on joint research and manufacturing in jet engine technology, maritime security, and directed energy weapons is a significant part of the plan. Collaboration in the Indo-Pacific via the Indo-Pacific Oceans’ Initiative (IPOI) is also planned. The establishment of a Regional Maritime Security Centre of Excellence (RMSCE) to address maritime security threats is another key initiative. Enhanced UK reliance on India for logistics in the Indian Ocean Region is another aspect of defence cooperation.
Climate and Clean Energy
Joint efforts to mobilize green finance, collaboration on offshore wind and nuclear energy technologies, and the development of joint supply chains for green goods are part of the climate and clean energy partnership. Engagement through multilateral platforms such as the International Solar Alliance and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure is also a part of this partnership.
Education and Skills
Encouragement for UK university campuses to establish presence in India, mutual recognition of qualifications between the two nations, and a Green Skills Partnership aimed at creating climate-linked jobs, fostering workforce development in clean technologies are the key initiatives under education and skills.
Agriculture
Although the Vision 2035 document emphasizes agriculture as a key sector, specific initiatives under agriculture are not detailed explicitly in the available sources. However, boosting trade and cooperation likely includes agricultural trade, technology transfer, and sustainability in agriculture.
Global Governance
The commitment to multilateralism and joint advocacy for reforming institutions like the United Nations, WTO, IMF, and World Bank is a significant aspect of the global governance sector.
Specific Initiatives Highlights
| Sector | Key Initiatives | |---------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Trade | India-UK CETA; Job creation; BIT; JETCO | | Technology | Technology Security Initiative on AI, quantum computing, telecom, critical minerals | | Defence | 10-year defence roadmap; Joint R&D; IPOI; RMSCE | | Climate & Energy | Green finance; Offshore wind and nuclear tech; Joint green goods supply chains | | Education & Skills | UK universities in India; Mutual qualification recognition; Green Skills Partnership | | Agriculture | (Not detailed explicitly; expected trade, technology, and sustainability cooperation) | | Global Governance | Multilateral reforms advocacy (UN, WTO, IMF, World Bank) |
The Vision 2035 aims to be a flagship partnership that redefines India-UK ties by driving growth, innovation, security, and sustainability across these sectors over the next decade. The document will be reviewed annually and guided through regular high-level ministerial meetings.
- The Technology Security Initiative, a key endeavor under the India-UK Vision 2035, concentrates on strategic technology domains like Artificial Intelligence, quantum computing, telecom, and critical minerals.
- The ambitious climate and clean energy partnership between India and the UK involves mobilizing green finance, collaborating on offshore wind and nuclear energy technologies, and developing joint supply chains for green goods.
- Education and self-development within the India-UK Vision 2035 includes projects like the Green Skills Partnership, which aims to create climate-linked jobs and foster workforce development in clean technologies.
