Indian Army chief headed to UK, Italy to discuss defence ties

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel

NEW DELHI: Indian Army chief Manoj Mukund Naravane on Sunday embarked on a four-day visit to the UK and Italy to deepen bilateral ties with the two key European countries.
In a statement, the Indian army said Naravane will be meeting his counterparts and senior military leaders of the two countries to explore ways to boost military cooperation.

This is also of strategic importance to India, given that control over river water flow acts as a force multiplier during times of aggression

On the first leg of his visit, Naravane will hold talks with the UK's secretary of state for defence, chief of defence staff, chief of general staff and other dignitaries, the Army said. He will also be visiting various army formations where he will exchange ideas on issues of mutual interest, the Indian army said in the statement.

The visit comes at a time when India and the UK are looking to refashion ties, especially after the latter’s exit from the European Union. During a summit between the prime ministers of the two countries in May, India and the UK unveiled a decade-long roadmap to guide cooperation. Defence and security ties were highlighted as one of five key pillars to elevate the relationship to a “comprehensive strategic partnership".

Cool, maybe they can get Pakistan in bed with them too.