Key Points

UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy's recent visit to India marked a significant step in strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries. During high-level meetings with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, they discussed expanding cooperation in trade, technology, and strategic sectors. The recently concluded Free Trade Agreement and Double Contribution Convention were highlighted as key milestones in their partnership. Both nations expressed commitment to deepening their strategic engagement and addressing global challenges together.

Key Points: David Lammy Boosts Modi's India-UK Strategic Partnership

  • Concluded India-UK Free Trade Agreement marks strategic milestone
  • Discussed cooperation across defence, technology, and clean energy
  • Strengthened Comprehensive Strategic Partnership
4 min read

UK Foreign Secretary's visit provides opportunity to sustain high-level engagement, further consolidate India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership

UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy meets PM Modi, advancing bilateral ties through trade, technology, and strategic cooperation

"Building on the free trade agreement between our great countries, we will continue working together - David Lammy"

New Delhi, June 8

UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy's visit to India provided a valuable opportunity to sustain the high-level engagement between the two countries and to further consolidate the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, the Ministry of External Affairs noted in a statement on Saturday.

As per the statement issued by the MEA, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy paid an official visit to India on June 7. This was his second official visit to India in his capacity as UK Foreign Secretary. During the visit, UK Foreign Secretary called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and held delegation level talks with External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar (EAM). He also met with Piyush Goyal, Commerce & Industry Minister and Ajit Doval, National Security Adviser.

The statement noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi termed the recent conclusion of the India-UK FTA and Double Contribution Convention (DCC) as a strategic milestone in India-UK bilateral ties, which will further unlock potential of the partnership in diverse sectors. He conveyed that he is looking forward to the visit of UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to India at the earliest mutual convenience.

EAM Jaishankar and Foreign Secretary Lammy reviewed the entire gamut of bilateral cooperation and expressed satisfaction at the progress in diverse sectors, including trade & economy, defence & security, technology & innovation, health, green energy & climate, education and people-to-people ties under our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Both Ministers welcomed the conclusion of the India-UK FTA and DCC. They also expressed happiness at the launch of the Strategic Exports and Technology Cooperation Dialogue, the first meeting of which was Co-Chaired by Vikram Misri, Foreign Secretary, MEA and Sir Oliver Robbins, Permanent Under-Secretary(PUS), Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office on June 3, the statement said.

EAM Jaishankar conveyed India's appreciation for the UK government's expression of solidarity and support to India in the fight against terrorism. Both Ministers also exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest.

"The visit provided a valuable opportunity to sustain the high-level engagement between the two countries and to further consolidate the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Both sides agreed to continue working closely to advance their shared objectives", the statement said.

In a previous statement by the MEA on Foreign Secretary's meeting with PM Modi, it was noted, PM Modi expressed satisfaction at the successful conclusion of the India-UK Free Trade Agreement and Double Contribution Convention and appreciated the constructive engagement by both sides that led to this milestone.

PM Modi also welcomed the growing momentum in bilateral ties and expressed satisfaction at the deepening of the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. He welcomed the continued collaboration under the Technology Security Initiative and noted its potential to shape trusted and secure innovation ecosystems.

The statement noted that Foreign Secreatary David Lammy conveyed UK's strong interest in further enhancing cooperation across key sectors including trade and investment, defence and security, technology, innovation, and clean energy. He expressed confidence that the FTA will unlock new economic opportunities for both countries.

Foreign Secretary Lammy also shared inputs from his visit to India in a series of posts on X.

Upon meeting PM Modi, Lammy wrote on X, "Thank you Prime Minister @narendramodi for your warm welcome to India. Building on the free trade agreement between our great countries, we will continue working together to deepen our partnership, celebrate our unique living bridge, and deliver growth and security."

https://x.com/DavidLammy/status/1931289385162424642

On his meeting with EAM Jaishankar, David Lammy said, "Great to see my friend @drSJaishankar in Delhi today. We are advancing a new era in UK-India relations -- boosting trade and technology, tackling the climate crisis and providing greater security for our people."

https://x.com/DavidLammy/status/1931342532887150831

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met United Kingdom's Foreign Secretary David Lammy on Saturday and shared the details in a post on X.

PM Modi appreciated the progress made in the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and also mentioned about the recently concluded FTA between the two countries.

He appreciated the UK's support to India in the fight against cross-border terrorism.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

Here are 6 diverse Indian perspective comments for the article:
R
Rajesh K.
Strong UK-India ties are crucial for our global standing. The FTA is a game-changer for Indian businesses looking to expand in Europe. Hope this leads to more job opportunities in tech and manufacturing sectors here. 🇮🇳🤝🇬🇧
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Priya M.
While economic cooperation is good, I hope our government ensures Indian interests are protected in this FTA. Sometimes we give too many concessions to foreign partners. The "living bridge" should benefit both sides equally.
A
Amit S.
The technology partnership is most exciting! UK's research capabilities combined with India's tech talent can create wonders. Hope this leads to more collaborations between our universities and startups. Jai Hind! 🚀
S
Sunita R.
As someone with family in both countries, I'm happy to see stronger ties. But UK should also address concerns of Indian students facing visa issues. The "living bridge" needs smoother immigration policies for genuine students and professionals.
V
Vikram J.
Good to see UK supporting India against terrorism. Western nations often don't understand our security challenges. This strategic partnership must include intelligence sharing to counter radical elements affecting both our nations.
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Neha P.
Climate cooperation is the need of the hour! India and UK can lead the way in green energy solutions. Hope to see joint projects in solar and wind energy that create jobs while saving our planet. 🌱 Let's make this partnership count!

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