Context:
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is commencing his visit to the United Kingdom (U.K.) in pursuit of bilateral ties. Meetings at London have been engaged in trade, security and diplomatic engagement, where issues such as India-U.K. Free Trade Agreement (FTA), talent mobility, security cooperation, and technology partnerships have been discussed.
Discussions for India U.K. Free Trade Agreement (FTA)
- Meeting with the Trade and Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds: Progress made in the India U.K. FTA, a long awaited trade deal facilitating improved economic cooperation.
- The FTA has been high priority for both countries where market access, tariff, and investment issues were discussed.
Discussions of Security and Mobility with U.K. Home Secretary: Yvette Cooper
Topics include
- Flow of talent and people to people exchanges.
- Counter trafficking and tackling extremism.
- Enhancing collaboration in these areas has a considerable impact on India and U.K. relations, especially under the concerns of illegal migration and security threats.
Expansion of India’s Diplomatic Presence
- New Indian consulates will be opened in Belfast on March 7 and Manchester on March 8. It is expected to:
- Foster trade and investment ties.
- Improve support to the Indian diaspora in the U.K..
- U.K. Foreign Secretary David Lammy, therefore, bartered that this would enhance economics and community relations.
High Level Talks at Chevening House
- Jaishankar and Lammy to deliberate on information technology security initiative birthed during David Lammy’s visit to Delhi in July 2024.
- Areas of collaboration include
- Critical minerals (Important for technology and renewable energy industries).
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) and telecommunications.
- Resilient supply chains and affordable healthcare.
India U.K. relations are being expanded across the board, in trade, technology, security, and diplomatic outreach. Negotiation of the India U.K. FTA continues to be a major emphasis, as both sides are keen to have a closure to it.
