In a significant diplomatic engagement, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy on Wednesday met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi.
This marks Lammy’s first official visit to India as the UK’s Foreign Secretary, reflecting a shared commitment to enhancing bilateral ties between the two nations.
During the meeting, Prime Minister Modi reaffirmed India’s dedication to elevating its partnership with the UK.
He welcomed the ambition to finalize a mutually beneficial free trade agreement, a key component of the broader economic collaboration.
PM Modi emphasized the importance of concluding this agreement promptly to boost trade and investment between the two countries.
Taking to X, PM Modi posted, “A pleasure to meet UK FS @DavidLammy. Appreciate the priority accorded by PM @Keir_Starmer to broaden and deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Remain committed to elevating the ties. Welcome the bilateral Technology Security Initiative and the desire to conclude a mutually beneficial FTA.”
The visit also included crucial discussions with India’s National Security Adviser, Ajit Doval, and External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar.
The ministers reviewed the progress of the Roadmap 2030, initially agreed upon during the India-UK Virtual Summit in 2021.
Both sides expressed satisfaction with the advancements made and agreed to renew the roadmap to reflect contemporary priorities, including trade, defence, technology, climate, and green energy.
A notable highlight of the visit was the launch of the UK-India Technology Security Initiative (TSI).
This initiative aims to foster collaboration across government sectors, private enterprises, academia, and research institutions, focusing on IT, AI, and tech-centric areas.
This partnership is likely to address the evolving security challenges and drive innovation in both nations.
The discussions also touched upon the ongoing India-UK Foreign Trade Agreement negotiations.
Both sides acknowledged the substantial progress made and expressed optimism about reaching a comprehensive and beneficial agreement soon.
Defence and security cooperation, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region, were also key topics, with both countries agreeing to enhance their capacities to counter non-state threats.
Regional and global issues were not overlooked. Dr. Jaishankar and Mr. Lammy exchanged views on pressing matters, including the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the situation in West Asia, the Red Sea, the Commonwealth, and the UN Security Council.
These discussions underscored the strategic alignment and shared perspectives on international peace and security.
This visit, occurring shortly after the formation of the UK’s new government, signals a robust commitment to deepening the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
As both nations look forward to a renewed and ambitious collaboration, the outcomes of this visit set a promising trajectory for the future of India-UK relations.
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