Bhamre meets British counterpart;discusses defence cooperation

Minister of State for Defence Subhash Ramrao Bhamre today met his British counterpart Harriett Baldwin and discussed a wide-range of issues covering the entire spectrum of bilateral defence cooperation.
During the meeting, Bhamre reiterated India's resolve to enhance defence capability and improve its defence industrial base and invited greater British participation in the BJP-led government's flagship 'Make in India' programme.
"The meeting was held in very cordial atmosphere. A wide range of issues covering the entire spectrum of defence cooperation between India and UK were discussed at the meeting, including Indo-UK collaboration in joint research, development and production which has tremendous potential for growth," an official statement said.

Bhamre also drew attention to the challenges being faced by both sides due to increased terrorist activities globally as well as cross-border terrorism being faced by India.
"He emphasised that terrorism is a global phenomenon and a clear message must go to countries supporting terrorism. There could be no differentiation between good and bad terrorists. The UK minister acknowledged India's stand on terrorism and expressed UK's resolve to cooperate in the field of counter-terrorism," the statement added.
The minister highlighted India's "tremendous experience" in UN Peacekeeping operations worldwide and assured his UK counterpart of further strengthening Indo-UK cooperation in UN Peacekeeping operations.

Bhamre is in the UK to attend the UN Peacekeeping Defence Ministerial Conference 2016 to be held at Lancaster House in London tomorrow.
During the visit, he also interacted with British Indian MP Alok Sharma, minister of state for Asia and the Pacific in UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), and discussed issues of mutual interests.