External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s recent visit to the United Kingdom has injected new energy into the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated on March 10. Jaishankar’s official visit, spanning March 4-9, was marked by his engagements with key British leaders, including Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, and Foreign Secretary David Lammy. He also visited Ireland during this trip.
The visit emphasized the strengthening of ties between India and the UK, with a particular focus on political, economic, and people-to-people relations. Jaishankar’s meeting with Prime Minister Starmer highlighted the positive momentum in the bilateral relationship, especially the resumption of Free Trade Agreement (FTA) talks, advancements in technology cooperation, and deeper people-to-people connections. They also discussed global issues such as the ongoing Ukraine conflict.
Jaishankar’s discussions with Foreign Secretary Lammy were extensive, covering a wide range of topics, including strategic coordination, trade negotiations, education, technology, and regional and global issues. Both sides reviewed progress on the “Roadmap 2.0,” a new framework that aims to energize the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
The Minister also met with Secretary of State for Business and Trade Jonathan Reynolds, where the focus was on the progress of the FTA negotiations, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to expanding trade and reducing trade barriers. Additionally, the Minister had a significant meeting with Home Secretary Yvette Cooper to strengthen bilateral cooperation on talent mobility, anti-trafficking measures, and combating extremism.
Jaishankar’s visit included the inauguration of the Consulate General of India in Belfast, Northern Ireland, marking a significant step in enhancing India’s diplomatic presence in the region. The opening was attended by local dignitaries, including the Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly, Edwin Poots. Jaishankar also met with Northern Ireland’s Deputy First Minister and Junior Minister to explore further collaboration in areas like skills development, cybersecurity, and manufacturing.
In Belfast, Jaishankar visited Queen’s University, where he highlighted the upcoming campus in GIFT City, Gujarat, underscoring the growing collaboration between India and the UK in the education sector. The Minister also interacted with Indian students at the university, discussing their experiences.
The visit culminated with the inauguration of the Consulate General of India in Manchester, fulfilling a longstanding demand of the Indian diaspora in the region. The ceremony was attended by key British officials, including Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, and emphasized the importance of enhancing cultural, trade, and sports exchanges between the two nations.
Jaishankar’s visit has further solidified the India-UK relationship, with tangible outcomes in trade, technology, education, and diplomatic ties, strengthening the long-term partnership between the two countries.
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