The UK rolled out a ceremonial red carpet for India’s Army Chief General Manoj Pande on Thursday, emphasising its view of India as a crucial ally in upholding the rules-based international order. Gen. Pande’s visit to the UK began with the Guard of Honour at Horse Guards Parade, situated at the heart of London.
In a significant gesture of solidarity and respect, Gen. Pande will be the first representative from the Indian armed forces to represent King Charles III at the Sovereign’s Parade at the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst. The UK’s Ministry of Defence (MoD) remarked, “Investing in our relationships, particularly with significant allies like India, underscores the UK’s commitment to being globally connected and proactive.”
During the ceremony, Gen. Pande was greeted by the UK’s Chief of the General Staff, Gen. Sir Patrick Sanders. A subsequent inspection was held where Gen. Pande reviewed the Number 7 Company Coldstream Guards, a regiment with a history dating back centuries, adorned in their distinguishable scarlet uniforms and black bearskin caps. The ceremonial event was enhanced by the musical rendition from the Band of the Grenadier Guards.
A notable participant in the ceremony was Guardsman Singh, originally from Chandigarh, India, who joined the Coldstream Guards after being inspired by tales of the British Army. His inclusion in the British Army serves as a testament to the strengthening ties between the two nations, as highlighted by the MoD.
Following the ceremonial events, Gen. Pande held discussions with his British counterpart, exploring collaborative military endeavours and training programs. His schedule also includes meetings with other top-ranking officials in the UK defence establishment.
The pinnacle of Gen. Pande’s visit will be on Friday when he is honoured with the role of the “Sovereign’s representative” at the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst. He will be saluting around 200 Officer Cadets, including 45 international cadets, as they are commissioned. This prestigious role, typically reserved for the monarchy, being given to an Indian representative, underscores the deepening ties between India and the UK.
The UK’s recent interactions with India include a variety of military exchanges and bilateral visits. Such engagements serve to fortify mutual understanding and shared military capabilities, seen as pivotal for an enhanced India-UK strategic alliance.