Two sides of the coin regarding the strengthening of British-Indian military and security cooperation

Strategic Council Online—Opinion: The news of the agreement to increase military cooperation between Britain and India has become an important issue in the international system; The agreement, according to British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, is aimed at expanding security and defense cooperation to achieve so-called peace and global security. Hossein Sayyahi—Researcher of international affairs

The agreement, which has been approved by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, covers five areas of land, sea, air, space and cyber issues, as well as security issues, support for the design and construction of new Indian fighter jets, development of submarines as well as technologies. It also includes identifying and responding to threats in the Indian Ocean region. In this regard, Johnson believes that the world today is facing increasing threats from “authoritarian governments”; An issue the mention of which after such an agreement could be a reference to China and Pakistan.

 

But aside from China’s relative readiness to show mutual reaction to the agreement, the consequences for Pakistan are also significant. Prior to his ouster, former Prime Minister Imran Khan had said that a powerful country was angry with Islamabad over his visit to Moscow and his meeting with Vladimir Putin, and therefore supported his ally, India. It seems the powerful country known to Imran Khan is Britain. Thus, the issue of an agreement between India and Britain could be very influential on Islamabad’s inference of London’s support for Delhi, requiring the country to calculate possible strategic consequences and reciprocal action.

 

Despite India’s close ties with the Soviet Union until 1991, Pakistan was a traditional ally of the Western camp during the Cold War. Of course, Pakistan’s close ties with the Western bloc did not prevent the United States from establishing a bipolarity in the Indian subcontinent after the Cold War, at a time when it considered itself the world’s only superpower. The establishment of a nuclear balance between the two countries is an example of the balance of power that Washington has created to stabilize the region between India and Pakistan, but this measure has not been able to significantly reduce tensions between the two countries and relations between them have experienced many tensions and conflicts. Also, the arms race and the increase in military power of the two countries should be considered in line with their deterrent program against each other. For example, the purchase of French Rafale fighter jets by India was answered by the purchase of Chinese fighter jets by Pakistan, although this answer may not have been adequate, it shows Pakistan’s seriousness in maintaining the balance of military deterrence against India. But now, regardless of the current arms race, what will be the implications of a security agreement between Britain and India for Pakistan?

It is clear that Britain’s entry into a defense-security agreement with India and its support for the Indian fighter-building program could be detrimental to Islamabad. Although Pakistan itself is pursuing a program to produce indigenous fighters, it seems that India’s technology and infrastructure will have the upper hand.

But there are two reasons that could alleviate Pakistan’s concerns. First, despite India’s superiority, Pakistan should not worry too much about New Delhi gaining power in terms of military armaments, because in parallel with India’s military support from the West, especially Britain, China will seek to increase its military might on the disputed border with India. Beijing can also pose a major challenge to Delhi with Islamabad. In addition, Britain’s proximity to India is not merely aimed at retaliating against Pakistan, and London seems to be pursuing larger goals. In the post-Brexit period, especially in the economic dimension, Britain seeks to use the capacities of Asia. In terms of security, as it approaches India, it is pursuing a policy of distancing India from Russia, as well as pulling the country further into a coalition to contain China.

 

Two sides of the coin

In general, it can be inferred that this agreement has two different aspects. On the one hand, the irreparable consequences of such an agreement will be less on Pakistan, and as mentioned, the proximity of the West, especially Britain, to India with the aim of bringing it closer to the Western camp in order to reduce India’s military and energy dependence on Russia. The country will participate in security, such as the Quad Treaty, to contain and counter Chinese threats.

 

At the same time, increasing India’s readiness to participate in counter-China plans in the Indo-Pacific region will pave the way for its de-escalation of relations with Pakistan. As India reduces its rivalry and conflict with Islamabad, it will focus its strategic focus and maximum strength on confronting China. As a result, with the inauguration of Pakistan’s new Prime Minister Sharif, positive pulses have been exchanged between the two countries, with both sides talking about improving relations after a period of tension.

But on the other hand, the agreement could upset the balance of power, increase the arms race between India and Pakistan, as well as the possibility of miscalculations by either side. In addition, India’s rise to power could bring Pakistan closer to China; This is an issue that the Western camp does not seem to be interested in, and London and Delhi have taken it into account in their calculations.

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

LATEST CONTENT

An Analysis of South Korea’s Response to Trump’s Tariff Policy

Strategic Council Online – Opinion: With Donald Trump’s return to the U.S. presidency, a new wave of economic protectionism in the form of tariff policies has impacted global trade. One of the first countries targeted by these tariffs was South Korea—a nation whose economy heavily relies on exports, particularly to the American market.

Iran’s Smart Diplomacy in Managing Regional Crises

Strategic Council Online– Interview: A West Asia affairs analyst, discussing the role of Iran’s smart diplomacy in turning regional crises into opportunities to strengthen the country’s influence and position in the region, stated: Iran’s multilateral foreign policy can be an effective alternative to Western military interventions, especially at a time when the failures of the U.S. and the Israeli regime have reduced the trust of West Asian countries in them. By consciously leveraging regional capacities and strengthening cooperation, Tehran can play a pivotal role in establishing sustainable stability in the region.

Iran’s Potential Capacity in the Large Energy Market

Strategic Council Online – Interview: An energy affairs analyst stated that the recent imposed war by the Zionist regime and the U.S. against Iran, which Donald Trump described as a military success, has disrupted energy markets and intensified concerns over rising oil prices. This event once again underscored Iran’s decisive position in the oil and gas market.

Formation of a New Regional Order Through Consolidation of Iran-Arab Relations

Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior West Asia analyst stated that The Washington Post recently emphasized in a report that the attacks by the Zionist regime and the U.S. on Iran not only failed in their strategy to isolate Tehran but also altered the perspective of Persian Gulf countries regarding regional threats, identifying the Zionists as the primary destabilizing force in the region.

Reasons for NATO Members’ Agreement to the Proposed U.S. Budget Increase

Strategic Council Online – Interview: An international affairs expert stated that, given the Russian threat and the rise of militarism worldwide, European countries have concluded that they must cooperate with the U.S. in establishing a unified European defense shield and strengthening NATO. Consequently, they agreed to a five percent increase in NATO’s budget during the recent summit.

Domestic Concerns and Repercussions of the 12-Day War for Trump and Netanyahu

Strategic Council Online – Opinion: Every war, regardless of its duration (short or long) and how it ends (ceasefire, lifting siege, or peace), faces an issue called “The Day After.” The day after the war ends refers to the day when the consequences of the war gradually become apparent to the warring parties in various spheres, including political, military, social, economic, and others. The imposed war by the Zionist regime and America against Iran is no exception to this rule.

Objectives of Western Military Support Escalation for the Zionist Regime After the Ceasefire with Iran

Strategic Council Online – Interview: A West Asia affairs expert stated that following the imposition of a ceasefire on the Zionist regime on June 23, 2025, after its military aggression against Iran, reports from Arab sources indicate the arrival of 17 heavy transport aircraft carrying military equipment from the United States and Germany to the Occupied Territories. This move, which the Iraqi media “Naya” describes as part of Western efforts to rebuild the Zionist regime’s military capabilities after heavy losses in the 12-day war with Iran, poses a serious threat to regional peace and Iran’s nuclear negotiations.

Netanyahu’s Tactics to Evade Trial Under Pretext of Security and Regional Developments

Strategic Council Online – Interview: An Israeli regime affairs researcher stated: The Zionist regime media recently announced that Benjamin Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of this regime, has requested a two-week postponement of his trial for security reasons and regional developments. On Sunday, news also emerged that the “Occupied Jerusalem” district court agreed to postpone Netanyahu’s trial by one week. This decision followed the Zionist regime Prime Minister summoning officials from the Foreign Intelligence Service (Mossad) and Military Intelligence Organization (Aman) to a confidential session held at this court to explain the reasons for his request to delay his trial by two weeks.

Loading

Últimas publicaciones

An Analysis of South Korea’s Response to Trump’s Tariff Policy

Strategic Council Online – Opinion: With Donald Trump’s return to the U.S. presidency, a new wave of economic protectionism in the form of tariff policies has impacted global trade. One of the first countries targeted by these tariffs was South Korea—a nation whose economy heavily relies on exports, particularly to the American market.

Iran’s Smart Diplomacy in Managing Regional Crises

Strategic Council Online– Interview: A West Asia affairs analyst, discussing the role of Iran’s smart diplomacy in turning regional crises into opportunities to strengthen the country’s influence and position in the region, stated: Iran’s multilateral foreign policy can be an effective alternative to Western military interventions, especially at a time when the failures of the U.S. and the Israeli regime have reduced the trust of West Asian countries in them. By consciously leveraging regional capacities and strengthening cooperation, Tehran can play a pivotal role in establishing sustainable stability in the region.

Iran’s Potential Capacity in the Large Energy Market

Strategic Council Online – Interview: An energy affairs analyst stated that the recent imposed war by the Zionist regime and the U.S. against Iran, which Donald Trump described as a military success, has disrupted energy markets and intensified concerns over rising oil prices. This event once again underscored Iran’s decisive position in the oil and gas market.

Formation of a New Regional Order Through Consolidation of Iran-Arab Relations

Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior West Asia analyst stated that The Washington Post recently emphasized in a report that the attacks by the Zionist regime and the U.S. on Iran not only failed in their strategy to isolate Tehran but also altered the perspective of Persian Gulf countries regarding regional threats, identifying the Zionists as the primary destabilizing force in the region.

Reasons for NATO Members’ Agreement to the Proposed U.S. Budget Increase

Strategic Council Online – Interview: An international affairs expert stated that, given the Russian threat and the rise of militarism worldwide, European countries have concluded that they must cooperate with the U.S. in establishing a unified European defense shield and strengthening NATO. Consequently, they agreed to a five percent increase in NATO’s budget during the recent summit.

Domestic Concerns and Repercussions of the 12-Day War for Trump and Netanyahu

Strategic Council Online – Opinion: Every war, regardless of its duration (short or long) and how it ends (ceasefire, lifting siege, or peace), faces an issue called “The Day After.” The day after the war ends refers to the day when the consequences of the war gradually become apparent to the warring parties in various spheres, including political, military, social, economic, and others. The imposed war by the Zionist regime and America against Iran is no exception to this rule.

Objectives of Western Military Support Escalation for the Zionist Regime After the Ceasefire with Iran

Strategic Council Online – Interview: A West Asia affairs expert stated that following the imposition of a ceasefire on the Zionist regime on June 23, 2025, after its military aggression against Iran, reports from Arab sources indicate the arrival of 17 heavy transport aircraft carrying military equipment from the United States and Germany to the Occupied Territories. This move, which the Iraqi media “Naya” describes as part of Western efforts to rebuild the Zionist regime’s military capabilities after heavy losses in the 12-day war with Iran, poses a serious threat to regional peace and Iran’s nuclear negotiations.

Netanyahu’s Tactics to Evade Trial Under Pretext of Security and Regional Developments

Strategic Council Online – Interview: An Israeli regime affairs researcher stated: The Zionist regime media recently announced that Benjamin Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of this regime, has requested a two-week postponement of his trial for security reasons and regional developments. On Sunday, news also emerged that the “Occupied Jerusalem” district court agreed to postpone Netanyahu’s trial by one week. This decision followed the Zionist regime Prime Minister summoning officials from the Foreign Intelligence Service (Mossad) and Military Intelligence Organization (Aman) to a confidential session held at this court to explain the reasons for his request to delay his trial by two weeks.

Loading
Samir Design Group گروه طراحی سمیر