London ( Europe Brief News) – Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds drew sharp criticism from UK officials when he proposed that Britain shouldn’t hesitate to sell weapons to India while tensions intensify with Pakistan.
India sent missiles into Pakistan-controlled Kashmir because they wanted to respond to last month’s terror attack that killed 26 civilians. Following the “act of war” assessment from Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the country responded by shelling, as reported by independent news.
Will the UK Sell Arms to India?
Reynolds stated that the UK would continue discussions on weapons exports with India while being willing to converse about defence sales to fellow democracies. He clarified that defence equipment did not appear in the UK-India trade agreement, yet promoted global arms deals without hesitation.
Labour MP Kim Johnson called the comments “deeply troubling,” saying: “You cannot voice concern over Kashmir while suggesting we sell arms to one side. This is morally incoherent and reckless.”
Labour’s John Trickett warned that arming India risks “serious diplomatic consequences” and goes against UK interests in de-escalation.
Government Response
Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed his wish for India and Pakistan to reduce their tensions while asserting the United Kingdom supports “dialogue” alongside “de-escalation” measures that protect civilians.
British nationals received travel advice from the Foreign Office to stay updated about conditions in both countries.
Reynolds’ comments about the growing conflict have opened a debate about which matters more to policymakers: maintaining arms deals or preserving regional stability.
