India has signed new agreements with Sweden and the UK to strengthen defence co-operation and increase the former country’s military capabilities.
Last week, India announced plans to expand its air force as the first step in a deal that could be worth more than $15bn (~€12.2bn). During a tour of European countries ahead of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi signed new agreements with the UK and Sweden to strengthen defence co-operation between the nations.
What has India agreed with Sweden?
The agreement with Sweden was reached following a meeting between Modi and Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Löfven in Stockholm. Following the meeting, Löfven explained to reporters that the new agreement will expand the defence capabilities of both countries through greater collaboration.
He said: “Sweden and India have agreed to work towards a security agreement allowing us to exchange certain types of classified information required to work together on defence materials. This agreement [is] an important step forward to deepen our bilateral cooperation in the defence domain.”
Modi also welcomed the agreement, suggesting that co-operation on the production of defence equipment would be particularly valuable for India. Swedish defence company Saab is one of a number of manufacturers expected to bid on a call India has issued for 110 new combat jets, which will replace its current stock of Soviet-era MiG fighter jets.
What will the agreement with the UK entail?
India has also reached a new co-operation agreement with the UK, in part in response to China’s increasing naval presence and activity in the Pacific Ocean. India is also seeking to benefit from the UK’s expertise in cybersecurity, and expands existing collaborative efforts such as the Ajeya Warrior exercise, which takes place between the two countries every two years.
According to a statement that was issued following a meeting between Modi and UK Prime Minister Theresa May, the new agreement will not only strengthen defence co-operation with India, but reinforce security of the whole region.
The statement read: “The Royal Navy [will] work more closely with their Indian counterparts to ensure the safety and prosperity of the Indian Ocean region – tackling piracy and drug trafficking, as well as protecting freedom of navigation rights… The UK already plays an active role in maritime security in this region through counter-terrorism, counter-piracy and maritime security operations because a free and open Indo-Pacific area is in the interests of the UK, India and the international community.”
While on 9 March , 2018 , US President Trump has accepted offer to meet Kim Jong Un to find a solution to key issues which could keep war away , Sweden offered few days earlier to that date to assist Trump in the talks as Sweden has diplomatic relations with North Korea for several years past. This is obviously an opportunity also for Sweden to come closer to the US for probable partnership in economy or any other relationship which could be strategic as well. It may be apt to bring in here the news report which said that Sweden has so far no formal partnership dealings with the US. So the development could be perceived as an opportunity for Sweden. Later news reports also said that North Korea Foreign Minister was in Sweden on 15 March 2018 amid planning for Trump-Kim meeting . Some days later on 16 April 2018 , India’s PM Narendar Modi is visiting Sweden probably for exploring partnership or trade. In the context of these developments in relation to Sweden , it may be appropriate to know this Vedic astrology writer’s related prediction for Sweden made last year on 5 November , 2017 through brief prediction titled as : “ 2018 – an opportune year for Sweden when economy could be better fed by arts , films , entertainment and PARTNERSHIP”. In substance , the year 2018 , more so March to mid-July , was predicted to be providing opportunity to Sweden of partnership in trade or commerce and economy which may have prospect of bringing , sooner or later, chances of boosting up trade and economy. The prediction was emailed by this writer to a large number of newspapers of Sweden and elsewhere last year on 5 November , 2017.