In March 2021, the UK Government published the Integrated Review (IR) of Security, Defence, Development and Foreign Policy, a landmark policy document defining Britain’s international role in the aftermath of the UK’s departure from the European Union. This is the first time the UK has formally outlined its Global Britain plan—the term was frequently used following Brexit but lacked clear objectives and priorities.
The Integrated Review places UK-India relations within the context of Britain’s Indo-Pacific tilt and demonstrates significant attention to the relationship. Repeated references to India and a two-paragraph section devoted to the relationship highlight the potential for cooperation in economic, scientific, and technological domains. India and the United Kingdom have also elevated their bilateral relationship to a “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership”, agreeing on a “2030 Roadmap” for strengthening ties in areas such as health, climate change, trade, education, science and technology, and defense.