Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently met with UK Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs David Lammy, underscoring both nations' commitment to enhancing their bilateral relationship. This meeting signifies the ongoing efforts to strengthen ties and expand cooperation between India and the United Kingdom.
PM Modi expressed his appreciation for the UK's priority on broadening and deepening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. He conveyed this sentiment on social media, highlighting the significance of the visit by David Lammy, who is part of the newly elected Labour government in the UK under Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
David Lammy, who replaced David Cameron as the UK's top diplomat, has previously served as the Labour Party's international affairs spokesperson. His visit to India marks a crucial step in reinforcing the UK’s dedication to elevating bilateral ties. Prior to his meeting with PM Modi, Lammy also engaged in discussions with India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, reflecting the collaborative spirit between the two countries.
One of the key points of discussion was the bilateral Technology Security Initiative and the mutual desire to conclude a beneficial Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Lammy’s emphasis on the FTA underscores the importance of economic growth and shared potential between the two nations. He has consistently advocated for resetting the UK-India partnership to unlock significant growth opportunities, from Bengaluru to Birmingham.
During his campaign in the UK, Lammy highlighted India's status as an emerging superpower in the 21st century. He acknowledged India’s vast population of 1.4 billion and its rapidly growing economy.
Lammy’s commitment to fostering a stronger partnership with India is evident in his determination to finalise the Free Trade Agreement, which he views as a foundational element for broader ambitions.
Lammy’s visit also focuses on areas of shared interest, such as green transition, new technologies, economic security, and global security. These topics are crucial for both nations as they navigate the challenges of the modern world. His tour aims to highlight the importance of a new partnership that centres on economic, domestic, and global security.
In addition to his meetings with Indian officials, Lammy is scheduled to engage with Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and meet with climate and business leaders. These discussions are aimed at unlocking the full potential of the UK-India partnership.
The British High Commission’s statement emphasised the importance of the ‘Living Bridge’ between the UK and India, representing the 1.7 million people of Indian heritage who have significantly contributed to British society.
Lammy’s visit is also an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the contributions of British Indians to the UK’s social and economic landscape. The High Commission’s statement highlighted how the Indian community has enriched British life and continues to play a vital role in fostering bilateral relations.
Following his visit to India, Lammy is scheduled to attend the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ meeting in Laos. There, he will continue to advance the UK’s economic partnerships and unveil new cooperation initiatives on climate and health. This reflects the UK’s broader strategy to strengthen its global partnerships and address critical issues such as climate change and public health.
David Lammy’s visit to India is a significant step in strengthening the UK-India relationship. The focus on a Free Trade Agreement, technological collaboration, and shared global interests underscores the deepening ties between the two nations. This visit sets the stage for further cooperation and mutual growth, reinforcing the strategic partnership that both countries value highly.
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