British Defence Minister Harriett Baldwin will lead the UK delegation to Aero India 2017 as Britain and India focus on partnership, collaboration, investment and technology transfer.

Baldwin, Minister for Defence Procurement, is bringing 20 UK companies to the India’s premier aerospace event to be held from February 14-18 at the Air Force Station, Yelahanka in Bengaluru.

This year many British companies are expected to showcase some of the most innovative technologies in the defence, aviation and security sections. These cutting-edge businesses will be forging long-lasting industrial partnerships and joint ventures with Indian companies.

The visit by the British Defence Minister builds on the Defence and International Security Partnership (DISP) agreed in November 2015.

Baldwin said: “The UK and India have much to offer one another in defence: from manufacturing collaboration and simplified export controls, to military cooperation, training and research partnerships. As Britain steps up globally, we will work together with India to build knowledge, security and prosperity through a close industrial, military and economic partnership.”

British Defence Minister is accompanied by the British High Commissioner to India, Lieutenant General Mark Poffley, Deputy Chief of Defence Staff for Military Capability in the UK’s Ministry of Defence (MOD), and Sophie Lane, Regional Director for India in the Department of International Trade’s Defence and Security Organisation (DSO).