India-UK Economic Partnership in Focus as Jaishankar Meets UK PM

New Delhi : External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar met with United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer at 10 Downing Street in London, where they discussed strengthening bilateral economic cooperation and enhancing people-to-people exchanges. The meeting focused on deepening economic ties between India and the UK, exploring avenues for trade expansion, and fostering greater collaboration in key sectors such as technology, education, and infrastructure.

Following the meeting, Dr. Jaishankar shared details of the discussion on social media, emphasizing the cordial nature of the engagement and highlighting India’s commitment to fortifying its relationship with the UK. He conveyed the warm greetings of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Mr. Starmer and appreciated the UK’s perspective on global geopolitical issues, including the ongoing Ukraine conflict. Dr. Jaishankar acknowledged that such discussions play a vital role in enhancing mutual understanding and cooperation on international matters.

Later in the day, Dr. Jaishankar met with his UK counterpart, Foreign Secretary David Lammy, to deliberate on strategic partnerships and further areas of collaboration. Both leaders expressed their eagerness to continue discussions on key bilateral and global challenges. In an effort to promote educational and cultural ties, Dr. Jaishankar and Mr. Lammy jointly interacted with a group of Chevening Scholars from India. He praised the scholars as a testament to the vibrant academic and professional exchanges between the two nations, describing them as “great advocates of India-UK ties.” The interaction underscored the significance of education as a bridge between the two countries, facilitating greater understanding and cooperation among future leaders.

Additionally, Dr. Jaishankar held a meeting with Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, where they discussed the flow of talent, cross-border mobility, and the growing importance of people-to-people exchanges in strengthening bilateral ties. The discussion also covered key security concerns, particularly joint efforts to combat trafficking and extremism. Both leaders emphasized the need for close coordination in tackling transnational challenges and fostering safe and legal migration pathways that benefit both nations.

In another significant engagement, Dr. Jaishankar met with the UK’s Secretary of State for Business and Trade, Jonathan Reynolds. Their discussion focused on the ongoing negotiations surrounding the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and the UK. Both sides reiterated their commitment to resolving pending issues and accelerating the process to finalize the agreement. Dr. Jaishankar highlighted the mutual economic benefits of an FTA, including increased trade, job creation, and enhanced market access for businesses in both countries.