FTA Negotiations, Combating Extremism, Ukraine Conflict: Key Takeaways From EAM Jaishankar's UK Visit

Jaishankar and David Lammy recognised the strengthening of technology cooperation and deepening of people-to-people ties, and also discussed the Ukraine conflict.

EAM S Jaishankar paid an official visit to the United Kingdom from March 4-9.

Source : PTI

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar paid an official visit to the United Kingdom from March 4-9. He also also visited Ireland on March 6-7 during this period, a statement by the Ministry of External Affairs said on Monday.

During his meeting with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Jaishankar noted the positive momentum in the India-UK relations as the negotiations for Free Trade Agreement resumed.

"EAM called on the Prime Minister of the UK, Sir Keir Starmer and Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner. He held comprehensive talks with his counterpart Foreign Secretary David Lammy, and met with Secretary of State for Business and Trade Jonathan Reynolds and Home Secretary Yvette Cooper. During the visit, EAM also engaged with key stakeholders across government, businesses, academia, and the Indian diaspora," the statement said.

The two leaders also recognised the strengthening of technology cooperation and deepening of people-to-people ties, and also discussed the Ukraine conflict.

"In his meeting with Prime Minister Starmer, EAM conveyed the warm greetings of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. Both leaders noted the positive momentum in India-UK relations, particularly with the resumption of Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations. They also recognised the strengthening of technology cooperation and deepening of people-to-people ties, and discussed key global issues, including the Ukraine conflict," the statement noted.

Key Takeaways From Jaishankar's UK Visit

• EAM called on UK PM Keir Starmer and Deputy PM Angela Rayner. He also held comprehensive talks with his counterpart Foreign Secretary David Lammy at Chevening House.
  
  
• He discussed the full spectrum of India-UK relations, including strategic coordination, political cooperation, trade negotiations, education, technology, mobility, and people-to-people exchanges. The leaders also reviewed progress on the new Roadmap 2.0.
  
  
• "They also exchanged views on regional and global developments, including the Ukraine conflict, West Asia, Bangladesh, and the Commonwealth. Both leaders interacted with Chevening Scholars from India, recognizing the crucial role that education and youth play, in fostering stronger bilateral ties," the statement read.
  
  
• During his meeting with UK Secretary of State for Business and Trade, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing trade and investment opportunities.
  
  
• In his meeting with Home Secretary, EAM discussed strengthening bilateral cooperation on talent mobility, people-to-people exchanges, and joint efforts to combat trafficking and extremism.
  
  
• Jaishankar also participated in a conversation with Chatham House Director and Chief Executive Bronwen Maddox. He spoke on shifting geopolitics, geoeconomics, India-UK relations, and India's perspective on global affairs at the discussion.

• The External minister also inaugurated India's Consulate at Belfast in Northern Ireland.

• EAM also met with Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland Emma Little-Pengelly and Junior Minister Aisling Reilly at Stormont Castle. They discussed deeper collaboration in development, cybersecurity, technology, creative industries, and manufacturing.
  
  
• EAM visited Queen’s University in Belfast, where he interacted with Indian students studying there. He also underscored the significance of their upcoming campus in Gujarat.
  
  
•  EAM inaugurated the Consulate General of India in Manchester, the fourth Indian Consulate in the UK. The ceremony was attended by the Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, FCDO Minister for Indo-Pacific Catherine West, Deputy Mayor of Greater Manchester Paul Dennett and MP of Stockport Navendu Mishra.

"The visit reaffirmed the strong ties between India and the United Kingdom, injecting fresh momentum into the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. It reinforced both nations' commitment to strengthening political, economic, and people-to-people collaboration in an evolving global landscape," the statement read.