Admiral Naveed Ashraf makes historic IISS address as UK visit deepens Pakistan-Britain defence ties

Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf has concluded a high-profile official visit to the United Kingdom, highlighted by a landmark

LONDON: Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf has concluded a high-profile official visit to the United Kingdom, highlighted by a landmark address at the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) in London—the first by any serving Pakistan Navy chief.

Addressing one of the world’s leading strategic think tanks, Admiral Ashraf outlined Pakistan’s perspective on the evolving security landscape in the Indian Ocean, stressing the importance of regional maritime stability, freedom of navigation and enhanced international cooperation to tackle emerging maritime security challenges.

The address marked a significant milestone in Pakistan Navy’s engagement with the global strategic community and underscored its expanding role in international maritime security discourse.

During his visit, organised in coordination with the Pakistan High Commission in London, Admiral Ashraf held a series of high-level meetings with senior officials of the Royal Navy, the UK Ministry of Defence, NATO Allied Maritime Command, and the Royal College of Defence Studies (RCDS). Discussions focused on strengthening bilateral naval cooperation, professional exchanges and regional security.

The Naval Chief also met representatives of the Lloyd’s Market Association and the Joint War Committee, where discussions centred on maritime insurance, security risks in the Indian Ocean and the protection of global shipping routes.

As part of his engagements, Admiral Ashraf attended the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) at RAF Fairford, Europe’s largest military air show, where he interacted with senior military leaders from allied nations and representatives of the British defence industry.

He also visited the Pakistan High Commission in London and met High Commission officials to discuss ways of expanding Pakistan-UK cooperation in defence, maritime affairs and strategic engagement. He later recorded his remarks in the High Commission’s guest book.

Defence observers say the visit reflects the growing momentum in Pakistan-UK defence relations and demonstrates Islamabad’s commitment to expanding strategic dialogue with international partners. The historic IISS address, in particular, is being viewed as a significant diplomatic and strategic achievement, placing the Pakistan Navy more prominently within global maritime security discussions.