United Kingdom's Chief of Defence Staff Admiral Tony Radakin, who is on a three-day visit to India, Monday said India and the UK are "natural partners" in a world that is "more contested and volatile", at a time the armed forces of both countries are undergoing the process of modernisation.

The British CDS began his visit to India by paying homage to the fallen soldiers at the National War Memorial this morning ahead of his first meeting with his Indian counterpart Gen Anil Chauhan.

Both the Chiefs reviewed progress on various pillars of the UK-India defence partnership and exchanged views to further expand ties in all domains.

"We share many of the same democratic instincts and values and are committed to the rule of law. We are respected military powers, both undergoing significant investment and modernisation and exercising together across, land, sea and air. But we can do more. I value the opportunity to meet with General Anil Chauhan to discuss how we can develop our partnership in a way that benefits our mutual security and prosperity," said Radakin.

Radakin also held wide-ranging meetings with Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Hari Kumar, Chief of the Army Staff General Manoj Pande, Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane, and Additional Secretary, Defence Production, T Natarajan, the British High Commission said in a statement.

"As a global trading nation it matters to the UK that the Indo-Pacific is open and free, which is why the British Armed Forces are establishing the broadest and most integrated presence in the region of any European nation," he said.

"India and the UK are natural partners in a world that is becoming more contested and volatile. We share many of the same democratic instincts and values and are both committed to the rule of law," he stated.

Over the next two days, Admiral Radakin will be hosted by various establishments of the Indian Armed Forces across the country, with a view to boosting military-to-military engagement and exploring opportunities around the co-creation of future technologies.

Image source: ANI