The gradual improvement in India-United States relations that began with President George W Bush and was deepened by every US President since then has been upended. India is no longer seen by Donald Trump as a strategic partner in the geopolitical contest with China. Mr Trump’s punishing 50 per cent tariffs and repeated insults have pushed India closer to China. The Indian Prime Minister attended the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation meeting this week after a seven-year hiatus and was welcomed by Chinese President Xi Jinping — something that would have seemed very unlikely just a few weeks ago.
The UK visit was part of the second leg of the TN Rising European visit, led by Chief Minister M K Stalin. During the first leg in Germany, the state had received investment proposals to the tune of ₹7,020 crore, creating 15,320 jobs.
The MoUs signed today represent long-term strategic steps for Tamil Nadu in sectors of high value and future relevance in positioning the state as a national and global leader across niche domains.
The highlight of the day was the meeting with Rolls-Royce, one of the world’s foremost aerospace and defence technology firms. The company expressed strong interest in expanding its operations in Tamil Nadu, with plans for an maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility, an research and development (R&D) and training centre, and a significant expansion of its IAMPL joint venture in Hosur. With Tamil Nadu being home to one of India’s two Defence Industrial Corridors, this engagement with Rolls-Royce illustrates the state’s potential as a hub for advanced aerospace manufacturing.
Lloyd’s List Intelligence (Seasearcher) signed an MoU to expand its Global Capability Centre in Chennai, creating 200 jobs by FY 2026. As a world leader in maritime risk management, insurance and vessel tracking analytics, Lloyd’s expansion will significantly bolster Tamil Nadu’s capabilities in shipbuilding, port management, and maritime technology. Their flagship Sea searcher platform provides real-time visibility into global vessel movements, ownership structures, and port activities — insights that will be invaluable for unlocking Tamil Nadu’s vast Blue Economy potential.
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 "As US ties fray under Trump, second-gen reforms are India's best defence")
