The UK’s Indo-Pacific Minister, Anne-Marie Trevelyan, is on a visit to India aimed at strengthening collaboration on environmental and technology initiatives. During her three-day trip from October 13 to 15, Minister Trevelyan is set to introduce two new projects that address global challenges, improve the quality of life, and combat climate change. These initiatives also focus on boosting innovation and aligning with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s priority of growing the UK’s economy.
The Minister’s agenda includes a visit to the National Institute of Ocean Technology, where she will gain insights into India’s deep-sea programs, marine systems, and vessel management. She will also meet with Tamil Nadu’s Environment Forest and Climate Change Secretary to discuss the UK’s partnership with the state on climate initiatives, such as the Climate Compatible Growth Programme. At Anna University’s Climate Studio, Minister Trevelyan will have the opportunity to see unique climate modelling systems related to weather forecasting and rainfall prediction.
Reaffirming the UK’s commitment to regional security, Minister Trevelyan will tour Larsen and Toubro‘s state-of-the-art Shipyard at Kattupalli, an Indian manufacturing company. The UK and India formed the Electric Propulsion Capability Partnership (EPCP) last year, which unites the expertise of the Royal Navy, UK industry, the Indian Navy, and Larsen and Toubro. The EPCP plays a pivotal role in the innovation related to the electrification of warships.
Minister Anne-Marie Trevelyan stated, “The UK and India are close partners, joining together our unique expertise to work towards a shared goal: increasing security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. Our collaboration on a range of issues, including climate change, technology, and maritime security, is crucial for addressing global challenges and building a more sustainable future for generations to come.”
As part of her visit, Minister Trevelyan will launch the UK-supported “Smart district” project alongside Tamil Nadu’s IT Minister, Mr. Palanivel Thiaga Rajan. This initiative involves placing sensors throughout a district to collect real-time data on water and waste management, as well as environmental quality. These sensors will help identify patterns and trends to inform decision-making on resource allocation and management.
This visit reflects the UK’s long-term commitment to the Indo-Pacific region, with a focus on ensuring a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific, a key priority for the UK. This commitment was underscored during Prime Minister Sunak’s visit to the G20 Leaders’ Summit in India last month, where he strengthened regional trade ties and forged new partnerships to deliver jobs, growth, and security for the British people. Meetings with Prime Minister Modi highlighted the close and growing ties between the UK and India, symbolized in the ‘living bridge’ between the two nations.