Maintaining trust through presence in the Indo-Pacific region
The Five Power Defence Arrangements has been running since 1971. It is the oldest multilateral defence arrangement in Southeast Asia; it endures because it adapts to new threats and technologies
Strong relationships rest on strong foundations: Showing up, standing together amidst challenges, and staying engaged long after the headlines fade. The UK has consistently put this into action in the Indo-Pacific.
Two events taking place within weeks of each other, Exercise Bersama Shield and the Shangri-La Dialogue, illustrate the UK's defence and security choices.
Exercise Bersama Shield brought together the armed forces of Australia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore and the UK for combined air, land, maritime and cyber-training.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
The Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA), which underpins it, has been running since 1971. It is the oldest multilateral defence arrangement in Southeast Asia; it endures because it adapts to new threats and technologies.
This year's exercise featured high-end warfighting activity, involving 1,000 personnel and an array of military assets. Bersama Shield also held an Enhanced Engagement Activity Day, with over 100 visitors from academia, government and military personnel, strengthening cooperation and dialogue across sectors.
Partnerships matter, and the UK flag flying alongside FPDA partners is a clear signal of enduring commitment to the Indo-Pacific region.
The UK Strategic Defence Review 2025 is explicit that our regions' security challenges are becoming increasingly interconnected and complex, which is why the Indo-Pacific is one of our top priority regions. This year's UK delegation to the Shangri-La Dialogue will be the biggest yet, demonstrating that this region matters to the UK.
These commitments are not abstract.
HMS Spey, one of the Royal Navy vessels persistently deployed to the region, has just returned to active patrol across Southeast Asia following maintenance and training, resuming operations that underscore the UK's continuous presence and support for regional stability.
The economic case is equally clear.
The Indo-Pacific accounted for 17.5% of total UK trade in 2024 (£317.5 billion), while over 60% of global trade passes through its shipping routes. By 2050, the region will deliver almost half of global growth.
Any conflict here would have major consequences for supply chains and prices in the UK.
In April 2026, Trade Envoy Baroness Winterton visited Dhaka, Bangladesh, focusing on trade, higher education, aviation and defence.
She met ministers, senior military officials, business leaders, and businesses using the UK's Developing Countries Trading Scheme; Bangladesh is the scheme's biggest beneficiary.
The United Kingdom and Bangladesh share a growing interest in the Bay of Bengal, focused on maritime security, trade, and sustainable development.
For Bangladesh, it underpins its 'Blue Economy', including fisheries, energy, and port growth at Chattogram
For the UK, it is important for secure sea lanes and supply chains. Cooperation spans maritime governance and climate resilience, reflecting shared strategic and economic priorities.
The Ministry of Defence maintains a persistent presence, via the Royal Navy, including HMS Tamar, HMS Spey and British Army Forces in Brunei.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office lead diplomatic engagement across the region, while the Department for Business and Trade unlock market access and resolve any barriers and supports UK-Bangladesh bilateral agreements.
In sum, it is the UK's intent to enhance the UK-Bangladesh relationship to a more strategic footing – the regional approach is a force multiplier.
Bersama Shield and the Shangri-La Dialogue represent that approach, and a UK that understands the value of partnership; showing up, year after year, where regional security is built.
A free and open Indo-Pacific depends on a strong rules-based system, where trust is built through sustained presence, shared risk and consistent engagement.
The UK has made a choice: to build on that strong foundation deliberately, and to continue doing so for years to come.
The writer is a Commander of the British Royal Navy and is the Defence Advisor at the British High Commission in Dhaka.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and views of The Business Standard.
